Just kilometers away from the conflict zone, a Ukrainian mother expresses her deep desire to return home. However, Vika Ivanova and her family continue to be displaced due to the ongoing war.
Vika, along with her partner Gena and their four children, sought safety in a village in Kharkiv oblast, northeastern Ukraine, five months ago. This village, Hnylytsia Persha, is situated only around 20 miles from the front lines. The community had endured occupation for six months during Russia’s large-scale invasion. This marks the fourth village that Vika’s family has had to settle in over the past few years, with some of the children even fleeing the first village on horseback.
The constant upheaval has taken a toll on the family. Vika shares, “We lost everything we had. We were forced to leave our belongings behind and move multiple times.” Despite trying to settle down in previous locations, they were always forced to flee due to escalating violence and threats.
Now residing in Hnylytsia Persha, a village near Velykyi Burluk, they are in a relatively calmer environment compared to their previous experiences. The family, like many others in war-torn Ukraine, faces challenges such as online schooling for the older children, frequent power outages, and the lingering fear of conflict.
During a visit with a charity organization, Alliance for Public Health, mobile health teams were providing essential medical assistance to residents in rural frontline areas. Among those assisted was 76-year-old widow Anna Ivanivna, who expressed optimism and a strong desire for victory for her country.
A remarkable story emerges from the village’s occupation period, where local health professional Tamara Mykolaivna risked her safety to provide medical care to those in need. Despite the difficulties faced during the occupation, the community stood resilient, and the village eventually celebrated its liberation.
Through all the hardships, Vika remains hopeful for a peaceful future, longing for her children to have a normal life free from the horrors of war.
