Svitlana's story, Ukraine
We are very grateful that you share the values we fight for and for helping us.
My name is Svitlana. I am from the city of Odessa. I am 50 years old.
The war in Ukraine has been going on for a year. On February 24, 2022 – I will remember this day for the rest of my life – I was woken up by my boyfriend: Russian missiles hit Odessa, the war began. That same morning, my family and I left Odessa in a big traffic jam to the south of Ukraine, where it was quiet. We left for two weeks. At the end of March, we realized that it would last a long time and that it was dangerous to stay in Ukraine.
We decided to go to Romania, which is closer. If we had some peace of mind, it would have been easy for us to return home. At that time, Romania was already taking in refugees. That's how we met our first friends. We met good and wonderful people and I am grateful to them for offering us a temporary refuge from the war, comfort. My daughter found a job within a week.
Shortly after, I found an announcement: The Romanian National Council for Refugees is expanding its team. I applied and was hired. This job allowed me to help my homeland even though I am abroad. It allowed me to feel the flow of a normal life again after weeks of confusion, uncertainty and constant doubts about what to do next. I am extremely grateful for this chance.
Overall, I would like to thank Romanians for understanding the situation of Ukrainians, for helping us and empathising with us. It is important for us to feel supported in this war, to feel that we are not alone, and this is exactly the kind of support that Romania offers us. We are very grateful that you share the values that we fight for and for helping us.
This story is part of the “Human Stories” collection, which illustrates the voices of refugees in our country and their unique experiences. The interview took place in March 2023. Illustrations by József Vass.