How did you spend the morning of February 24, 2022?
It was the most dreadful period of my life. That morning, I was in Ternopil, preparing to resume my studies in Kharkiv. However, at that moment, my father advised me to remain at home for another week due to the highly tense situation in the country.
One of the most terrifying moments for me was when my sister informed me that the war had commenced. I couldn’t believe it; I was in a state of shock. Immediately, I reached out to my friends in Kharkiv, and they confirmed witnessing numerous tanks, rockets, and hearing gunfire. Thus began that fateful day.
What were your subsequent actions upon realizing the invasion of Ukraine had begun?
In the first two days of the invasion, I didn’t sleep at all. My father asked me to inform all my friends who had nowhere to go that they could seek refuge with us. We had a house outside the city where we could accommodate them.
As I used to reside in a hostel in Kharkiv, I had several friends who also required shelter. Among them was my friend from Lysychansk (Luhansk region), for whom war was unfortunately not unfamiliar. We also provided shelter to three families from Bucha and Gostomel, where people sought refuge in basements during the conflict, unsure of what to do next. Gradually, more and more people from neighboring cities sought refuge with us. Our house became a sort of aid center.
When did you decide to evacuate from Ukraine?
Until the last moment, I held onto the hope of remaining at home, believing that everything would soon return to normal. However, it gradually became evident that the war was not going to end swiftly. In March 2022, we realized that a decision needed to be made. Uncertain of the duration of the conflict and where we could find safety, we faced a difficult choice.
With reserves dwindling, and the country engulfed in war, a friend and I decided to seek refuge in Europe for safety and to assess the situation further. Initially, we anticipated a temporary relocation.
Upon learning that the situation could deteriorate significantly, we decided to take action. In a single day, we gathered our belongings and departed for Poland in March 2022, where we stayed with friends for a while. Later, we opted to continue our studies in Spain, drawn by its reputable universities. We settled in the city of Alicante, where we knew no one, and resided there from March to July 2022. It was challenging, as we needed more proficiency in Spanish to improve our job search and university entrance exams.
However, one day, my friend mentioned the opportunity to move to Scotland through a new visa program. This came as a surprise, as Scotland had previously been an inaccessible destination for us. At that time, Scotland had opened visas offering access to education, residency, and other opportunities.
We arrived in Scotland in July 2022. I recall feeling bewildered; we were unaware of the locations of aid stations for Ukrainians and felt completely on our own.
How did your new life in Scotland begin?
I vividly recall our arrival from a warmer climate and the stark contrast of Scotland’s cold. The initial day was quite chaotic, yet at the train station, a resident generously assisted us in securing temporary accommodation. This provided a sense of relief as we had a place to settle.
Subsequently, we delved into researching the Scottish education system and began preparing for language exams, despite feeling somewhat unprepared mentally. I found myself admitted to a college, albeit for a different specialty than initially planned, prompting a rigorous preparation for the IELTS language exam to gain entry into the university. The exam posed significant challenges, and I harboured doubts about my ability to pass it successfully. However, on Ukraine’s Independence Day, I received favorable results, paving the way for acceptance into the University of Glasgow for my desired field of study.
How was your adaptation to the university environment?
To be honest, it was quite challenging initially. At the faculty, all my peers were locals, and I lacked the support system I had grown accustomed to at the Ukrainian university. Over time, the situation improved, but cultural differences and the language barrier posed ongoing challenges.
Regarding the community aspect, I initially connected with a Ukrainian student who was integrated into the local community. She invited me to an event in Edinburgh, where I had the opportunity to meet other Ukrainians. It was a fascinating experience for me. Subsequently, my friend, with whom I relocated to Scotland, introduced me to the Glasgow University Ukrainian Society, where I became actively involved in their initiatives. I became a part of this community and eventually assumed the role of vice president.
How does your involvement contribute to supporting Ukraine abroad?
Last year, our primary focus was on fundraising and organizing various charity events to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces. We directed the raised funds to meet their needs. However, this year, we’ve had to adjust our approach due to decreased willingness among people to donate as generously as they did at the war’s onset. Unfortunately, many have become desensitized to the ongoing russian war in Ukraine.
We’ve also observed shifts in societal attitudes: people have less time to spare, and media coverage of Ukraine has dwindled. Initially, the local Scottish government provided substantial support, offering access to Education and accommodation opportunities. However, locals have grown weary of hearing about the war and are prioritizing their own families’ needs. Consequently, we’ve pivoted our strategy to not only focus on the war but also on promoting our culture. We aim to foster unity within the Ukrainian community, which faces the broader challenge of war, while also providing support and integration assistance to newly arrived Ukrainians in adapting to a new society.
Could you provide more details on the measures aimed at uniting Ukrainians?
Certainly, our most recent initiative, titled «Rozmova: 10 Ukrainians, 10 Unique Stories», exemplifies our efforts in this regard. With a £2,000 achievement grant received last year, our Glasgow University Ukrainian Society organized this significant event. We envisioned a format where attendees could personally engage with the real-life stories of individuals who endured the war in Ukraine. Opting for this concept stemmed from our belief that firsthand accounts would resonate more deeply than merely consuming news or media broadcasts. Our objective was to enable guests to interact directly with the participants, empathize with their narratives, and gain deeper insights into the experiences of Ukrainians. We invited 10 individuals with diverse and profoundly challenging stories to share their experiences with the audience.
The response from attendees surpassed our expectations. We were heartened by how profoundly the speakers’ stories resonated with our guests. Many departed the event with a newfound appreciation and expressed a desire to engage in similar formats in the future. This underscores the significance of sharing experiences and narratives in fostering understanding and support for those who have endured adversity.
In your opinion, is it feasible to continue supporting Ukraine in the third year of full-scale war?
Addressing this issue is complex. Large-scale support ideally should be orchestrated at the governmental level. As pragmatic as it may sound, governments must allocate resources, as we require weaponry and equipment, particularly of high quality.
However, as a student community, we can contribute within our means by rallying together, supporting one another, and collectively aiding Ukraine. We represent the youth who will shape the future, so we must acquire knowledge and education. I’m optimistic that when the war concludes— and I fervently hope it does soon— Ukraine will require an elite and an intelligentsia whose expertise will be invaluable for its future. Our community’s organization of various events also serves a vital role in bridging Scotland and Ukraine, where each of us has friends in need of assistance. Additionally, we endeavour to host fundraising events for Ukraine, such as a recent workshop focused on crafting bags adorned with traditional Ukrainian ethnic embroidery. Such initiatives enable us to gather funds for donations and garner attention from the local community.
Do you have any messages for the Ukrainian and Scottish communities?
To the Scots—thank you immensely. I firmly believe that your support means a great deal to us. Despite facing challenges in your own lives, you warmly welcome us to your country. If given the chance, I would embrace each one of you.
To fellow Ukrainians, I emphasize the importance of unity and mutual support. I take pride in being part of a nation that has exhibited tremendous courage and resolve in its fight for freedom, a stance acknowledged by the world. I extend my gratitude to all those actively contributing to our victory and assisting others. I wish everyone fortitude during this challenging period in our lives.
How Scotland Supports Ukrainians
Scotland responded swiftly to the Russian invasion of Ukraine by implementing the «Warm Scottish Future» strategy. Under the Super Sponsor Scheme, the Scottish government has provided shelter to more than 25,500 Ukrainians, offering both temporary and long-term housing solutions. Hotel rooms and civilian vessels were utilized to address housing challenges. Additionally, a £50 million fund (over UAH 2.3 billion) supported the construction of 671 houses by August 2023, accommodating 948 displaced individuals. Despite the temporary pause in the Super Sponsor Scheme from July 2022, Scotland’s commitment to supporting and integrating Ukrainians remains one of the country’s government’s main priorities.
The material was produced with the support of the NGO «Institute of Mass Information» as part of a project of the international organisation Internews Network.
