By Matt Hoisch

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its second month, the humanitarian impacts of the conflict are only growing. Locals in the Telluride region have had their own reactions to the distant violence. On Sunday a silent peace march made its way down main street. This week, Telluride Town council agreed to hang Ukrainian flags along Colorado Avenue in solidarity with the invaded country. Still, some have chosen go even further. Yana Pollard is a teacher at the Telluride Middle/ High School. She just got back from Europe on a trip to help loved ones escape Ukraine. KOTO spoke with Pollard earlier this week, shortly after she made it back to the box canyon.