>> translator: we keep in touch with them. we support them even if that's psychologically. we also try to help financially and if it's possible, we help. we care about all these situations, and we want to help. >> reporter: outside, andre collects funds for his two best friends before they head to join the fight in ukraine. the money, they say, will buy body armor. >> translator: it's a moment of great unison of all ukrainians, of all our diaspora around the world. >> reporter: like many we talk to, andre had been sent photos from relatives in ukraine. his 2-year-old godson sheltering in a basement. even here in paris, it's a stark reminder of how life in ukraine has been turned upside down. >> life was beautiful and shiny just two weeks ago, and it stopped being shiny and beautiful a couple of days ago when the russians attacked ukraine. >> reporter: melissa bell, cnn,