For more than two decades, West Hollywood, U.S., had planned to put on a festival to celebrate Russian art and culture in honor of one of the city's largest immigrant groups. But after Russia invaded Ukraine, initiating a war that has killed thousands of people and created more than 6 million refugees, mention of "Russia" and "festival" in the same breath turned taboo. City officials instead recast this year's event as a fundraiser for Ukrainian refugees, pairing free activities for children with a silent auction and exhibit booths for humanitarian aid groups to collect donations. "The point of all of this is for us to help those who are in need right now," said Eugene Maysky, who came to Southern California from St. Petersburg seven years ago and now chairs West Hollywood's Russian Advisory Board.

Read Full Story


More: