Russian political refugees seek new start in Ontario
Roman and Danil Korenkov have been on the run from their native Russia since 2021, after protesting against President Vladimir Putin’s government in Red Square.
“They are genuine political refugees that have been kicked out, well not kicked out of their country. In fact, they were forbidden to leave Russia, but they have left, and if they return, they face 15 years minimum in prison,” explained their Canadian supporter, David Sparrow.
Sparrow, who is the pastor at Hanover Missionary Church, was contacted by the twin brothers through a private refugee sponsorship website. He was the only person to respond to their cries for help from their refugee camp in Germany.
“They contacted 300 people, and out of the 300, we were the only ones to respond,” said Sparrow.
The stigma from their homeland followed the Korenkovs through refugee stops in Poland, Switzerland, and now, Germany. Sparrow said he speaks to the twin brothers on a daily basis, and said they are desperate for a democratic nation to call home.
Reverend David Sparrow of the Hanover Missionary Church in Hanover, Ont. speaks with Russian political refugees, Roman and Danil Korenkov on June 7, 2023. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)
“They are looking for somewhere new to start life again. They are 22 years old, and I felt very sympathetic and empathetic for them, because, while we give a lot of attention to other people that are suffering at the hands of the Russians, here are some Russians suffering at the hands of their own people. They have nowhere to go,” he said.
Sparrow said the church can’t sponsor the brothers’ move to Canada alone right now. But, he’s already found leads on housing, and possible financial support from locals and members of his congregation.
“I’m hoping we can find at least five people willing to sponsor them. And form a committee that will go forward in opening a pathway for them to come to Canada,” said Sparrow.
Sparrow said Roman and Danil will be sent back to a refugee camp in Poland shortly as they try and find a permanent place to call home, where citizens are allowed to voice dissent against their government, without being thrown in jail.
You can learn more by contacting Sparrow at david@sparrownest.com or 1-705-770-7897.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.