The Lives of my 7 Ukrainian Students
Many of you were interested in my recent post, ‘I talk to Russians everyday and here’s what they say’, and I said that I would tell you about my Ukrainian students as well.
In this post, I’ll share the stories of 7 of my regular Ukrainian students.
Roman
A 26 year old from Dnipro (Eastern Ukraine- approx 200kms from Kharkiv, 250kms from Donetsk, and 300kms from Mariupol) put his plans to study in Germany on hold, and is the only one of my students who remains in Ukraine.
I recently asked him “What % do you think stay in Ukraine v try to leave?” This was his response:
“I think we have several groups here:
1. People like me, who can afford to stay at home.
2. Those who can afford to pay, and leave the country.
3. People who simply don’t care.
4. Those who don’t have money and don’t mind joining the army.”
I told him I had seen a video of some Ukrainians who were caught at the western border trying to avoid conscription. He responded:
“Yeah, there are many videos, but only a small percentage of people really want to leave- those who have nothing or who have everything. Those who have an apartment and a job here don’t want to leave and be a refugee in Germany. In my opinion, it is 20% who want to leave and 80% who want to stay.
Many people who went to Europe realised how difficult it is to learn a new language, start from the bottom when you have some status in your home country.”
I asked him, what does he see next. His response:
“My city would be the next under attack.. People want to live and build their future in their hometown. And sometimes, I think everything will be okay.”
The 6 who Fled
Anastasia, Karina, Dmitry, Yuliia, Boris, Gallina
Anastasia: 27, living in Poland with her boyfriend- both programmers. Anastasia’s brothers are on the front line. She tries to help by rallying support for supplies.
Yuliia: 24, living in Warsaw as a project manager with her boyfriend who is a programmer. From Kryvyi Rih in western Ukraine. She takes the train home regularly to see her family, and says she doesn’t feel the war at all.
Boris: 26, living in Porto as a programmer for a Swedish company. He drove all the way from Ukraine to Portugal with his girlfriend. He hopes to wait it out until the war ends, and then return.
Gallina: 34, single mother, doctor, moved to England. She wants to only give her child a new life and remain in the UK.
Dmitry: 35, programmer, moved to Canada with his wife and 2 young kids. Wants to wait it out, and then come home.
Karina: 37, from Crimea, architect, moved to Canada with her boyfriend. Got a job in Vancouver as an architect. Wants to stay for good. Feels torn because she feels so fortunate, but v.conflicted about leaving her home. Her dad supports Russia because he was born in the USSR, while her mum is against the war.
Final Thoughts
Most of these students want to win the war, take back the invaded regions and hope the west will support. Some don’t believe they can win, only want the bloodshed to end and a deal to be made ASAP, so they can return home.
Each has their own situation, and I hope you understand this post is about reporting some realities, not about casting judgement. I, like you, hope for resolution, though times look bleak. For my Ukrainian students- Peace and Justice.
Wish you all well,
Craig
My other posts on the topic:
