Thousands of people who fled war-torn Ukraine have found solace and a new home in Wales. Almost three years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, nearly 7,500 Ukrainians have sought refuge in Wales, leaving behind bombs, soldiers, and bloodshed. These individuals have had to rebuild their lives, moving into homes with strangers and navigating the uncertainties that come with seeking sanctuary in a foreign land.
One such individual is engineer Halyna Deriavka and her son Daniil, who escaped the heavy fighting in their home city of Zaporizhzhia in southeastern Ukraine. They now reside in Port Talbot, where they have been able to slowly piece together a new life. Halyna is studying illustration at the University of South Wales, while Daniil is attending school and adapting to his new surroundings. Despite the challenges they have faced, they remain hopeful for a brighter future.
Another story is that of Yana Linska and her daughter Mariia, who fled the city of Dnipro due to the frequent Russian attacks. They now call Brynna home, with Yana working as a cosmetician in Cowbridge and Mariia settling into school life. Despite finding stability in Wales, Yana hopes to one day return to Ukraine, even as the shadow of war looms.
Anastasia Hardacre, who originally hails from Kharkiv, now resides in Caerphilly with her husband and their young son Alexi. Anastasia’s marriage to her Welsh husband has brought her to Wales, where she has found a sense of community and support. However, she remains torn between her new life in Wales and her roots in Ukraine, where her family still resides amid ongoing conflict.
Halyna Berezenko, a former local journalist from Cherkasy, now calls Merthyr Tydfil home with her son Bohdan. Their journey to Wales was marked by hardship, including the loss of their beloved cat Crowley. Despite the challenges, Halyna is studying law at Swansea University, determined to build a better future for herself and her son.
These stories of resilience, hope, and adaptation underscore the experiences of many Ukrainian refugees who have found refuge in Wales. As they navigate the complexities of rebuilding their lives in a new country, these individuals hold onto memories of their homeland while looking towards a future filled with possibilities. Their stories serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity and upheaval.