Ukraine-Russia conflict

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is having ripple effects across the globe, including right here in Southwest Colorado. Natasha Erlandson is originally from Ukraine, but now lives with her husband Todd here in Montezuma County. Until a few days ago, her parents were still living in one of the cities hardest hit by Russian forces.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is having ripple effects across the globe, including right here in Southwest Colorado. Natasha Erlandson is originally from Ukraine, but now lives with her husband Todd here in Montezuma County. Until a few days ago, her parents were still living in one of the cities hardest hit by Russian forces. Now, they're refugees, and with the help Natasha and Todd, they're working their way across Europe and eventually to Southwest Colorado.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is pushing food prices higher, disrupting seasonal agriculture in the area, and pushing futures grain markets up. A high pathogenic avian influenza has been reported in 14 states in the U.S. And March 7th to the 11th is American Farm Bureau Ag Safety Awareness Program Week.

For a lot of people in the Telluride region, the Russian invasion of Ukraine might feel like a distant news story. But, for many, it’s personal. KOTO's Matt Hoisch spoke to several locals from Ukraine and Russia about the invasion and what it’s like being far from home as war erupts.