Maks Chmerkovskiy Returns To Poland To Help With Ukrainian Relief
Maks Chmerkovskiy found himself trapped in Ukraine when the Russian invasion happened. He faced many perils during his escape and felt relieved to reunite with his family.
However, he’s also struggling with a lot of survivor’s guilt upon his return. Now, the dancer plans to go back to Europe to help with the relief efforts. To keep fans informed, Maks posts updates from Poland on his Instagram page.
Maks Chmerkovskiy is on a mission to help the Ukrainian people
Maks Chmerkovskiy knows that he can use his platform for good. And that’s exactly what he plans to do.
“My father and my brother, together with a lot of people that we work with all the time, that we’re just friends with, and with the help of whom, we’ve started our organization, Baranova 27,” the 42-year-old dancer shared on social media. “For those of who’ve been following, Baranova 27 is the address where my father, myself and Val were born, in Odesa in Ukraine. So, that’s where, sort of our roots are at. And we’ve been working diligently on making Baranova 27 something that, as big as it took off, that it can continue that way.”
He goes on to acknowledge that he knows people are getting burned out with the ongoing crisis. He encourages his followers to take some time to look after their mental health before returning to fight for Ukraine.
After Maks Chmerkovskiy initially left Ukraine, he confessed to Good Morning America that he felt ashamed and upset. Many followers weren’t surprised when Maks decided he needed to return to Eastern Europe.
“I’m still in a very much fight-or-flight. I’m a big boy, but I know for a fact that I’m going through something mentally because I get into these cry moments, emotional, I can’t control it,” he told GMA.
The dancer faced many obstacles during his escape
Maks Chmerkovskiy’s escape from Ukraine definitely wasn’t easy. In a previous interview, he even described the situation as “traumatic” at times.
“I made it on the train,” the 42-year-old dancer announced to fans, as reported by Variety. “We’re heading to Warsaw, hopefully. Train to Lviv was not an option. The situation at the train station is insane. At first it feels manageable but it gets a lot worse when it comes time to actually board the train. Long story but all I can say now is that I’m a big man with nothing but a backpack and it’s traumatizing.”
“Currently, I’m in a cabin with four adults and 7 kids (ages 2-11) which usually is only occupied by a maximum of three people,” Maks continued. “There’s usually up to 30 people in this particular wagon. We were told we have to fit 135. Walkways are packed. People everywhere. It’s sweaty and claustrophobic.”
His fans and followers hope Maks will be able to make a positive difference and stays safe. Keep following us online for more about Maks Chmerkovskiy and his cause.
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