Today marks the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and what has turned out to be a protracted and bloody war.
Since that time, thousands of Ukrainians have chosen to leave the country to keep their children and families safe.
Oksana Makarenko and her children left Kyiv soon after the war broke out and fled to Italy where she heard about Newfoundland and Labrador’s program welcoming Ukrainians.
Her husband, a member of the territorial guards, decided to stay back and protect properties vacated by Ukrainians leaving the area.
(Photo via Oksana Makarenko.)
A dance teacher back home in Kyiv, she says she can’t get her mind around how much life has changed in just one year.
She says at that time she was working on a dance recital with her students. And while it feels like yesterday, that period of her life is over.
(Photo via Andrew Furey Twitter page.)
Meanwhile, a public ceremony to mark the anniversary of the war in Ukraine will be held at Confederation Building in St. John’s this evening.
Ukrainians, and members of the public, are being invited to gather in the main lobby of Confederation Building at 5:30 to remember those lost and honour the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people.
In the meantime, Makarenko says she and her children have received a warm reception in Newfoundland and she continues to be moved by the assistance and support she’s received. She’s working in St. John’s, her children are going to school and she looks forward to the day that her husband can join her here.
