One year of hell, the war in Ukraine

One year of hell, the war in Ukraine pages 18 -21

It has now been one year since Russia invaded Ukraine. On February 24th, 2022 attacks by Russian forces were reported in major cities across Ukraine, including Berdyansk, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy and the capital Kyiv.

Western officials claimed that the war could be the largest in Europe since 1945. Tens of thousands have died, communities have been devastated and millions of Ukrainians have been forced to leave their homes as President Putin continues to order the indiscriminate bombing of towns and cities.

Among those who fled the fighting are Olena Subocheva and her mother Tamara, who have been living with a host family in South Molton since June last year. On February 10th this year, nineteen Russian missiles slammed into their home city of Zaporozhye.

“We feel a big wound in our hearts, because this is our home, we were pulled out of our usual everyday life,” Olena told Molton Monthly. “We are worried about all of Ukraine, most of all for our city of Zaporozhye, because this is our Motherland, our native people live there, this is the land of our ancestors dating back many centuries.”

But the tragedy of the war has followed them to England. Olena’s father Deikun Mykhailo Mykhailovy travelled over to visit them at the end of last year. After spending just 21 days with

his family he was taken ill. Despite the heroic efforts of medical staff at North Devon District Hospital, he passed away aged 71. Olena describes him as a “real Zaporozhye Cossack” and a true patriot of Ukraine.

“We think that for eight months my father lived in a city where there is a war. He received very strong stress, so his body could not cope with it and we believe this led to his death,” said Olena.

Above, the Ukrainian symbol made in clay by Olena and Tamara at the Wellbeing Fair in South Molton in January to honour their homeland

“We are very grateful to the hospital staff for sparing no effort to help and try to save my father. We are also thankful to the mayor and the residents of our city Zaporozhye for helping and supporting us at such a difficult time as our father’s funeral.”

Deikun had brought with him “a handful of Ukrainian land” to spread in North Devon - seeds and nuts - as a sign of unity and friendship. His family now plan to carry out his wish.

At 70 years old, her mother is now having to learn English. Olena has recently been joined by her husband Andrii, who had spent eight months of the war cooking food for the Ukrainian soldiers. A cabinet maker by trade, he’s now looking for work in North Devon as the family try to rebuild their lives.

Continued on pages 20 & 21

Above, husband Andrii, mum Tamela, dad Deikun with Olena in a ‘selfie’ taken just days before Olena’s father passed away - his last words were, “you can safely eat, take a shower and go to bed, it’s so simple here and so difficult for the people of Ukraine now!”

They have been living with Tricia and Wayne Hyde in South Molton for nine months, while their remaining family in Ukraine are forced to live their lives in shelters underground.

“Thanks to our dear hosts Tricia and Wayne, and the welcoming community of North Devon, we are fine. We have grown to love Great Britain very much, but we still yearn for the time when we can return to our home,” added Olena (right, with mother Tamara).

Olena still believes Ukraine has the will to win the war and defeat Russia, but says she has spoken to a family friend serving in the army and they are still desperate for more specialist equipment. They pray that 2023 will see “the world unite to to defeat Putin”.

As the conflict continues into a second year, Olena says, “We will load ourselves with care and love, and continue to volunteer to help fellow Ukrainian refugees here in England.”

Meanwhile, the Pickwell Foundation, together with North Devon and Torridge councils, are calling on residents to offer support to Ukrainians who have fled war in their home country.

Photo by Karolina Andreasova

The North Devon-based charity works locally to provide help to refugees and asylum seekers, including offering support to Ukrainians and their sponsors through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Together with the local district councils, Pickwell is appealing to residents to help them grow their list of sponsor families in North Devon.

313 Ukrainians have so far arrived in the area, but more host homes are needed.

The Pickwell Foundation’s Susannah Baker says, “The war in Ukraine is showing no immediate signs of resolution, the crisis continues to ravish the country, its beautiful people and culture. Thousands of Ukrainians are still needing safe passage and sanctuary here in the UK.”

North Devon Council Leader David Worden added, “We are extremely grateful to everyone who has opened their hearts and doors to support those displaced by the horrific situation in Ukraine. It is vitally important that we continue showing this same warm welcome, so that individuals and families impacted by this war still have a place of safety and sanctuary. If you are able to help, either personally or by spreading the word, please do so.”

For further information go to: northdevonwithukraine.co.uk