Kegan Marquez
With conflict in Ukraine now well into its third year, well-known adult film star Riley Reid and her husband, Latvian freerunner Pasha Petkuns, made headlines for their compassionate decision to foster two Ukrainian children whose parents had died.
The war in Ukraine hasn't just impacted those fighting. It has left countless children without parents, creating a dire need for foster families, and with multiple nuclear threats being made, it doesn't appear the war will be coming to an end anytime soon, leaving more children in need of loving homes.
While people across the globe have opened their homes to these children, many online were left wondering what prompted Reid and Petkuns to take in two Ukrainian children in the first place.
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In a recent interview with YouTube podcast channel TigerBelly, Reid - real name Ashley Matthews - opened up and explained why she opened her home to two refugee children from Ukraine.
Moved by the stories of orphaned children and the dire need for loving families, Reid stated that she had taken in two Ukrainian boys aged six and 12 following the death of their parents.
What makes Reid and Petkuns' decision even more poignant is their personal connection to the children's family. Before the war, the children's elder brother was a friend of the couple.
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When the parents tragically lost their lives in the conflict, this older brother was their only next of kin.
The elder sibling was not in a place to be able to provide a stable home for his siblings, which is where the couple stepped in and offered to give the younger siblings a temporary home while their big brother finds his feet.
Asked by podcast host Bobby Lee if she would ever help somebody out who was struggling, Reid said: "I'm actually fostering two children from Ukraine who are refugees from the war.
"For everything they've been through they're actually pretty great kids."
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Reid goes on to say that the children have been in the country for around a year now, and have adapted well, all things considered.
The boys have managed to settle in well, according to the retired adult film star, as well as managing to learn to speak English since moving to the United States as refugees.
While Reid didn't say how long she expected to have the Ukrainian children in her care, considering the impact the war has had on families in Ukraine, it could be some time before their brother is able to take in his younger siblings.
The need for foster families is critical right now, especially for children who have lost their parents due to the war.
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Ultimately Reid and Petkuns' decision underscores the significant role individuals can play in making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
Speaking of her recent move towards family life, Reid is looking towards a career change away from the adult industry, and instead focus on family entertainment.