From Kherson to Kerry…

On the 24th of February 2022, Russia invaded my country, trying to establish its order and stop our path to European membership. Since then, the life of all Ukrainians has changed dramatically. When Russia launched a large-scale invasion of my country, Kherson where I live, was occupied in the first days, as it is located near Crimea, which has been occupied since 2014.

Having lived under the occupation for almost six months, my family and I decided to leave the city, because the Russians forces were making it impossible to live safely in the city. Ukrainians who clashed with the occupying forces were being killed. A colleague, the conductor of the philharmonic opera I sang with was shot for not agreeing to hold a concert on the “Russian National Flag Day” the 22rd August, 2022.

Our decision was swift. It was impossible to leave Kherson through Ukraine because of the city and surrounding territory was controlled by Russian forces. So, we had to take the risk of escaping through Crimea.

So, now I live now in Ballybunion and study in Kerry College (Listowel Campus). This is a new stage in my life. Naturally, I am not going to stop singing. I am a professional opera singer and singing is my passion. I have performed in St. John’s Theatre in Listowel and in the Tinteain in Ballybunion.

The poster for a future concert in Listowel, I created through desktop publisher in College. Our teachers are very good and friendly people. They always help us with everything. I am grateful to God, for the fact that at this difficult time, I live in Ireland and study in this Kerry College, Listowel Campus.