Svetlana (52)

Thursday, 3 March 2022, Studienka

I have received a piece of news from a friend about a priest named Marek helping out families from Ukraine. The next day I was on my way to a village outside Bratislava, where I met him and Petra - a woman with the biggest heart I know, who without hesitation accommodated several families in the house she bought with her husband recently. It was meant to serve as a multigenerational meeting point. But the war has changed their plans. Now it became a place, where Svitlana with her close ones found refuge.    

"I came here with my grandsons Andrey (3 yrs, 10 mo) and Viacheslav (9 mo), my daughter Natasha (31) and my mom Ljudmila (77). We came here 4 days ago from the town of Uzhhorod. We have never thought that there could be a war in the 21st Century. We are scared and afraid mostly because of the kids. Why must they experience this? My mom is not doing great health-wise, we don't know what we shall do if something happens to her. My daughter wanted to leave on the first day, February 24. But we doubted it. We cried, but didn't believe it happened. Ukraine is our motherland, why would we have to leave? We have decided to run away on the third day. I don't remember the date when we crossed the border. We passed it on foot. We saw people who have been waiting there for three nights and days. Luckily we were able to skip the line as we had the baby with us. The paperwork was done within 2 hours. I have never crossed the borders this fast."

"We feel here like at home. We have everything, food, hot water, toys for kids, yard where they can play. We want to baptise the smallest one here. We are very thankful to those who helped us at the border. The military, volunteers, those who offered us a free transfer. And of course to Petra and Jozef who treat us really well. But we hope that this war will finish soon and we will be able to return to Ukraine. If not, and if Slovakia accepts us, we will find a job. We won't stay on the shoulders of this country. Ukrainians want to work."

"We packed just the most important things that kids need. We couldn't bring toys, or a baby crib. My daughters' husband is fighting in Donetsk now. He is not a professional soldier, he is a driver. Also my moms sister with husband are still there." 

"Moms brother and my cousin live in Russia. Families are arguing with other families there because of this situation. We all used to be brothers and sisters before. I wish the Russians would open their minds and see the truth. But I suppose most Russians don't support Putin and his actions. We pray for Ukraine every day."