The current war between Russia and Ukraine will hit the two-year mark in February, but conflict between the two countries extends much further than that.

In the early 1930s, millions of Ukrainians were killed by the Soviet government in what’s called the Holodomor, which means "death by starvation."

This year marks 90 years since that, and in parts of New York state, Nov. 9 is now considered Holodomor Genocide Awareness Day.

One Ukrainian American shared his feelings about what the day means to him, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

“Growing up, it was something we always knew about, but never anything that had that type of recognition," said Greg Lisnyczyj, a member of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America.

As a Ukrainian American born and raised in Syracuse, the designation of Holodomor Genocide Awareness Day is a long time coming.

“I think today’s event is great for the city of Syracuse, but for Ukrainians living in Syracuse as well, because it gives recognition to the Holodomor, the genocide on the Ukrainian people where over 7 million people died," he said.

The day is special to Lisnyczyj for more than just recognition.

“My grandparents were there and were younger at that time, and actually survived through those years of starvation on the people. So this event is really dear to my heart and my family's heart," Lisnyczyj said.

When he was younger, his grandparents told him about what they went through. He said his grandfather constantly checked on the people around him and buried those near him who starved to death.

“It’s always in the back of my mind, too, as well knowing that, that’s something they lived through and now we’re living through that," he said.

Ninety years later, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine still rages on.

“The same type of atrocities are happening, where innocent lives are being lost and there’s no reason for that in today’s world," he said.

But Lisnyczyj said the Ukrainian community is resilient.

“I think it's just something that’s been engrained in the mindset of the people, not only from the president Zelenskyy but all the way through everybody, is this is something where Ukraine is going to win, and good is gonna win and peace will prevail," Lisnyczyj said.

According to the National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide, 22 states in the United States have recognized Holodomor as a genocide. New York has since 2018.