Thursday marked another anniversary for the Eastern European nation of Ukraine, which continues to be locked in a fierce war for its existence with the neighboring country of Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

On Aug. 24, 1991, Ukraine declared its independence from a collapsing Soviet Union.

On Thursday, many Ukrainians observed their Independence Day here in the U.S. And those that are here with temporary legal status, received another reason to celebrate: The White House announced an extension of their legal status.

Gennady Bratslavsky, a Ukrainian who moved to the U.S. at age 18, is helping Ukrainians get the status.

“The Independence Day today is a special day, as it is a show of resilience," said Bratslavsky. “Growing (up) there was just a collection of beautiful memories at the end of the day that I cherish," he said.

It took a long road to get to where he is today.

"(I) initially worked as a dishwasher and a furniture mover, and often joked that I may be one of the most accomplished dishwashers in this country," Bratslavsky said.

Now he’s a professor at SUNY Upstate Medical University and co-founder of the Ukraine 1991 Foundation. He says it’s time to give back everything Ukraine gave to him.

“We have worked with other organiizations to deliver over $100 million dollars worth of medical supplies and medications to Ukraine and distribute them," he said.

Years later, other Ukrainians are trying to come to the U.S. like he did. Not just for new opportunities, but to escape Russia’s invasion. President Biden made that easier by expanding temporary protected status for Ukrainians in the U.S.

“I am most grateful that United States government is able to provide this support," said Bratslavsky.

It will impact thousands of Ukrainians.

“About 160 thousand new Ukrainians will be able to get this benefit," said Anna Putintseva, an immigration attorney for Bousquet Holstein PLLC.

The extension will remain in place until April of 2025, granting a reprieve for Ukrainians who arrived here in the U.S. before Aug. 16.

“Temporary protected status, or Uniting for Ukraine program, allows Ukrainians to work in the United States and also have certain benefits," she said.

As Ukrainians receive more support, Bratslavsky hopes those in the U.S. continue to give back.

“It probably is a hope of every American and every Ukrainian that you take the best that you can in this country and later bring it back to Ukraine, or give it back to Ukraine," he said.

The announcement from the Biden administration gives additional time to Ukrainians whose two-year parole was due to expire early next year.