In their own words: Ukrainian refugees
With support comes hope.
On February 24, 2022, the world watched as deadly conflict came to Ukraine. As war descended on its cities, villages, and people, the greatest humanitarian crisis Europe had ever seen began to unfold. With over 6 million refugees forced to leave their homes and families, they are leaving something far more important than any material possessions: their husbands, sons, and brothers who have stayed to fight on the front lines.
My husband is in the military and defends our native land. On the other hand, I had to flee with my two children, daughter Dasha, 1 year old, and son Egor, 6 years old, to save their lives.
- Alina from Akhtyrka, Ukraine (read her story)
As these refugees seek shelter and peace, many are finding their way to Canada. We spoke to a few Ukrainians who are choosing to make Ottawa their new home—far away from friends and relatives but looking forward to the support and hope that our community will bring.
Anna, from Chernihiv, Ukraine
Anna with her family
Anna: “I became one of many Ukrainian women who lost everything that makes us happy. This was the morning my first child heard the sounds of sirens and explosions. There was no time to come to our senses, no time to pack our things, we were not allowed to realize there was a war.”
“We were lucky as a direct road to Kyiv went near us. My husband decided to go through the forest as it was the only way to escape. I left my past life in the past without regret, because I firmly held the small warm hand of our future in my hand.”
Marina, from Donbas, Ukraine
Marina: “I woke up to the sound of rockets, knowing right away that they weren’t just airplanes. I gave my daughter some time to sleep, knowing that there wouldn’t be restful sleep for a long time. After several days of sleeping on the subway floor, we decided to go to Warsaw, Poland. Believe me, making a decision to leave home at such a time was extremely difficult.”
“In Warsaw, we made the decision to go to Canada but, looking back, I understand that my story is nothing compared to those left behind in Ukraine. But we are here now and even the dog is with us. We thank God, the volunteers, and thank our new friends in Warsaw and Ottawa. We cannot convey our full emotions in words alone.”
Alina, from Akhtyrka, Ukraine
Alina: “On March 8, when the whole world was celebrating International Women's Day, I received a call from my friend. She said, ‘Alina, we are leaving, you have to make up your mind. You must save your children.’“
“My heart was torn between a house where there was nothing left and somewhere out there in the cold and the dark, my beloved Sergei. My husband, the best dad to our children, who is protecting our land. And at the same time, our children need to be saved, and brought to safety.”
