Steven Connacher
Our second speaker on July 18, was Stevan Connacher. Mr. Connacher shared the harrowing story of his mother-in-law’s experiences during the Russian siege of Mariupol in the early days of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Mr. Connacher and his wife had moved to Mariupol in 2016 but returned to Fort Collins in 2021 as reports of a potential Russian invasion grew more frequent. With his deep familiarity with the city and the area where his mother-in-law lived, he provided many pictures and vivid accounts of the region.
The Russian invasion of Mariupol began in 2022 with the bombing of the eastern side of the city. That area was leveled and completely depopulated, with surviving citizens taken to Russia. Within five days, Russian forces started targeting food warehouses, water supplies, cell towers, gas supplies, and lights. By February 28, they could no longer contact his mother-in-law.
After 73 days and numerous terrifying experiences, she was finally able to leave Ukraine and now lives in Fort Collins with the Connachers.
Listen to 73 days in Mariupol: Click Here