US figure skater reunites with family from war-torn Ukraine at Olympics

U.S. ice dancer Vadym Kolesnik was reunited in Milan with two relatives from Kharkiv after four years apart thanks to a GoFundMe, and they attended the Winter Games as he prepared to compete.

Vadym Kolesnik, an American ice dancer, was reunited in Milan with two relatives from Kharkiv after four years apart. The family members were able to travel to the Winter Games after donations raised through a GoFundMe campaign. Kolesnik moved to the United States in 2016 to train and obtained U.S. citizenship last summer. The conflict in Ukraine has affected his family and shaped parts of his life and training. Key details: - Two relatives, Snezhana Kolesnik and Irina Kobchenko, attended the Milan Cortina Games to watch Vadym Kolesnik skate. - A GoFundMe campaign exceeded its $25,000 goal and helped cover travel; Kolesnik said remaining funds will go toward training and coaching after the Olympics. - Kolesnik is scheduled to open competition with the rhythm dance at the Milano Ice Skating Arena on Monday night. - His mother remained in Michigan because of immigration concerns, and Kolesnik hopes to secure a green card to allow her longer-term residency. Summary: The reunion gave Kolesnik family members on hand as he competes on the Olympic stage after years of separation tied to the conflict in Ukraine. He is set to skate the rhythm dance Monday night, and plans for his family's longer-term residency arrangements are undetermined at this time.