ATHENS, Ala. — A Cullman County family continues to provide updates for the community from relatives in Ukraine.

Molly Luba Hill and Stephanie Hill’s biological families live in Ukraine, including Molly’s brother, Dima. He is currently a member of the Ukrainian Army on the front lines defending against the Russian invasion.

Molly Hill was just 20 months old when she was adopted from Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine (now Dnipro), by Craig and Becca Hill. Viktoria Nachinyannaya, the natural mother, gave birth to Molly at home before taking her to the hospital at just 3 days old because she didn’t have the means to care for her. She named her baby Lubov (Luba) which means “love” in Russian.

The Hills adopted Molly in 2004 and once at home, Becca hoped to connect with Molly’s birth family.

In 2010, the Hills returned to Zhytomym, Ukraine, to adopt another child, Stephanie. While there, they chose to travel back to Dnipro to visit Molly’s orphanage and meet with her birth mom Viktoria and two sisters. They learned that Molly’s biological father had died.

Through social media, Molly was able to connect with her biological brother, Dima, and her sisters, Yana, Tania and Yura.

Molly’s mother, Becca Hill, has provided updates as she has been able to get them.

Becca said she was able to hear from Dima on Monday, Feb. 28.

“Our military is strong in spirit, especially when they are supported by the whole world,” he said. He also stated that the nighttime hours are the hardest for him and the other troops.

After speaking with him, Becca began raising money to help Dima and his battalion purchase socks.

Tuesday, March 1, Dima reported that the night before had been the quietest night since the invasion began and that his battalion was in desperate need of night-vision equipment.

Stephanie’s biological family reported that their small town of Zhytomyr was bombed recently, killing five people, including two children.

On Wednesday, March 2, Dima reported that things had been quiet where he is.

“We are awaiting a convoy of Russian troops, but they were stalled,” he said.

The Hill Family also has been in contact with Viktoria since the invasion began.

“They are terrified. I was able to FaceTime with Molly’s birth mom, sister and younger baby brother. It was so good to see their faces. They are worried about the safety of Dima. He is guarding an area in the Donetsk region, which is seeing a lot of air strikes,” Becca previously told the News Courier. “I could see the fear in Viktoria’s eyes today on FaceTime.

“Ukrainians are a very resilient people. They are peaceful people. Most are farmers and factory workers. They are hardworking and keep to themselves. When you are in their home, they are hospitable and will offer you their very best,” Becca also previously said of the Ukrainian people. “I’m not sure about how I feel about America getting involved. Putin and his army are evil. We definitely need to be praying for Ukraine and her people.”