One of the defining moments was in 2014, a year that played a pivotal role in my life. Fortunately, I wasn’t under occupation for an extended period. Druzhkivka and Slovyansk were temporarily occupied, but thanks to our Ukrainian Army, they were liberated. At the age of 10, I realized my connection to the Ukrainian nation and embraced my Ukrainian identity.
Initially, fear dominated. I was reliant on my parents, with only my mother and grandmother among them.
A poignant memory is from February 10, 2015. After school, I attended my grandmother’s birthday celebration, where she informed me about the shelling of Kramatorsk city, where my mother worked. Fear engulfed me, and the realization that I could lose my mother, altering my life forever, set in.
I was a first-year student at Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, studying at the Faculty of International Relations and residing in a student hostel. That morning, as I woke up, I checked the news on the telegram app, and what I read was truly shocking. Two emotions overwhelmed me: first, a deep-seated hatred stemming from the scars left since 2014, coupled with the realization that the war had reignited, but on a larger scale.
Secondly, there was a profound sense of helplessness. I received a call from a hidden number, and due to poor network connectivity, it took me a few minutes to realize it was my mom. At that time, she was in the Donetsk region, making the situation even more dire. My mom informed me that Kramatorsk was under fire, signalling the start of the war.
After some time, the decision to leave was inevitable. The office where my mother worked was destroyed, prompting her evacuation train journey from Kharkiv city to reach me. She stayed with me for three days, and thereafter, we made the swift decision to leave Ukraine. With friends in Lithuania urging us, we crossed the Romanian border to Europe. Volunteers provided support, and one of them graciously offered his home for our stay. The next day, our friends escorted us to Lithuania, where we lived for three months before deciding to apply for a visa to Scotland. In July 2022, I made the journey there.
Upon arriving in Scotland, I was welcomed by a host family with whom I stayed for a while. My mom visited in November 2022, a reunion that brought me immense joy. As history has shown, wars do not conclude swiftly, and unfortunately, that holds true for our case. This was one of the driving forces behind my pursuit of education. With the assistance of my host family’s sponsor, I gained admission to Heriot-Watt University.
In October 2022, I commenced my studies in Modern Languages, Communication, and Cultures, with a focus on Spanish—a childhood dream of mine. Next year, I plan to participate in an exchange program to Spain or another country. It is crucial for me to acquire valuable experience, contribute to Ukraine’s cause, and become an asset in the international arena.
I found a connection with the Ukrainian diaspora at the Ukrainian Club (AUGB) in Edinburgh. One of the Scots was married to a Ukrainian who served in the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. This experience made me feel the respect Scots have for our culture, and their willingness to assist as much as possible. I am genuinely passionate about the culture of Scotland and am grateful for the openness and sincerity of the Scots.
In an effort to support Ukraine, I engaged in various activities. For instance, I worked with volunteers to weave camouflage nets for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, both in Lithuania and Scotland. Additionally, I actively promote Ukrainian culture by participating in mass events such as pro-Ukrainian protests in Edinburgh. I proudly wear Ukrainian symbols and the Vyshyvanka (an embroidered shirt in Ukrainian) and take the opportunity to share the history of our national dress when people inquire about it. I am not afraid to speak openly about it.
The flag I bring represents the Donetsk region, my place of origin. The black colour symbolizes the Sea of Azov, where the sun rises in the evening, and coal, which is one of the symbols of the region. This flag holds special significance for me, recalling Dudaev’s words that “Russia will disappear when the Ukrainian sun rises!” This sentiment is especially poignant given the events in Donetsk and Lugansk in 2014. The sun on the flag also symbolizes hope for me.
Our region is home to sincere people with a sense of humour. Despite attempts to impose foreign cultures, we’ve maintained our Ukrainian identity, enduring Soviet repressions and famine. Donetsk, a city of millions of roses, sees these flowers as a symbol. Our unique embroidery, characterized by red, black, and white colours, is a special national symbol. Last year, I wore an embroidered shirt to sponsors for Christmas, as it holds significance in Ukraine.
Wearing these symbols often attracts attention from locals, who often compliment and photograph me. The Donetsk region flag also receives positive reviews, especially during protests or actions. Various attributes, like bracelets and earrings, further emphasize the regional authenticity of our national dress.
Cultural awareness is essential. While we acknowledge our Ukrainian culture, it’s important to recognize the diversity among us—representatives of different Slavic nations sharing similar language and dress. Demonstrating Ukrainian culture is a showcase of our rich history, refuting false narratives from Russian propaganda. Additionally, it serves as a testament to Ukraine’s resilience against years of Russian occupation and destruction
Upon learning that I am from the Donetsk region, many people expressed condolences and acknowledged the scale of the tragedy. However, there were instances of stereotypes suggesting that “Donetsk and Luhansk” are not truly part of Ukraine, leading to misunderstandings within the community. I chose not to engage in provocations and only shared my perspective with those genuinely interested. It’s disheartening to encounter such ideas, as I am just as Ukrainian as anyone else.
It’s challenging to come to terms with the fact that it took ten years of Russian aggression for society to fully grasp the severity of the situation, especially after 2022. The weaknesses within the Ukrainian government, such as politicians with Russian citizenship, can be exploited by Russia. Political maneuvering only contributes to international fatigue, and unfortunately, there are still collaborators in Ukraine awaiting the so-called “Russian world” who have not been deported. It’s a complex and frustrating situation.
Fortunately, I haven’t directly encountered this, but there were instances of stereotypes among Scots, such as the belief that Ukraine was part of Russia during the Soviet Union period. I found myself explaining that we were under Soviet occupation and emphasizing the distinctions between Ukrainian and Russian identity. Regrettably, many in Western media fail to grasp this crucial difference. It is essential to consider who is writing these materials, their motives, and the impact of their actions. Therefore, providing historical information becomes a crucial aspect.
One of my primary goals for the future is to complete my university degree. While I understand that the war may conclude soon, the country will need extensive rebuilding, and some might consider emigration due to corruption issues. I desire to remain here, contingent on circumstances and my professional trajectory. I recognize that individuals in my field will play a vital role in Ukraine’s future. Additionally, I aspire to witness the restoration and reconstruction of Bakhmut and Mariupol, which were devastated by the Russians, and I hope to visit those places again.
Scotland responded swiftly to the Russian invasion of Ukraine by implementing the ‘A Warm Scots Future’ strategy. Through the Supersponsor Scheme, the Scottish Government provided sanctuary to over 25,500 Ukrainians, offering temporary and longer-term accommodations. To address housing challenges, hotel rooms and chartered ships were utilized. Additionally, a £50 million fund supported the construction of 671 homes by August 2023, accommodating 948 displaced individuals. Despite a temporary pause in the Supersponsor Scheme since July 2022, Scotland’s commitment to supporting and integrating Ukrainians remains evident.
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.
