A New York couple tries to adopt a child from Ukraine, but the war prevents them

For Americans trying to adopt children from Ukrainethe last few weeks have been a nightmare. Among them is one of the couples living in upstate New York. They are calling on the US and Ukrainian governments to help them get the child they hope to adopt, says NY1.

Jennifer and Doug Rogers hosted 13-year-old Maxim at their Finger Lakes home last summer and at Christmas as part of an international orphan program.

“He was part of our family, we knew we wanted to adopt him,” said Jennifer Kelly-Rogers.

In January, while the couple was working on the adoption process, Maxim had to return to Ukraine, and then war broke out there. Ever since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, the Rogers have kept in touch with Maxim mostly through text messages.

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“He says, ‘Mom, I’m scared. We are being bombed from the air, and we had to hide in the basement, ”said Jennifer. “Then he was very scared, but he is one of those children who are reluctant to admit it. He tells me, “It’s okay,” because he doesn’t want anyone to worry.”

According to the couple, his orphanage managed to evacuate Maxim and other children to a neighboring country.

“To a large extent it was a miracle that they were able to get out,” said Jennifer.

The family is about to write a letter to the White House

Ukraine is a popular choice for Americans looking to adopt children from abroad. According to US State Department, over the past two decades, Americans have adopted an average of more than 200 children from Ukraine every year.

While the war there continues, Rochester Congressman Joseph Morell argues that the best place for these children are caring families, future adoptive parents who adopted them before.

He sent letters to the White House and the State Department urging children to be given temporary special a visaso that orphans can live with Americans who are in the process of adopting them.

“You just can't imagine what it's like for kids who already feel like part of your family... and are in a crisis situation. It's just heartbreaking," Morell said.

A State Department spokesman noted that the government of Ukraine does not approve of children were leaving Europe and participating in temporary residence programs in the United States at the moment.

As for the Rogers family, they say the Ukrainian government needs to be pressured to reconsider its position. They want Maxim to have a chance to start a new life soon.