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Lara (33): ‘The war in Ukraine also gave me new opportunities’ | NOW

On February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine. About six million people fled their country. According to refugee organization UNHCR, there were 68,000 Ukrainians in the Netherlands at the beginning of July. Likewise Alisa (24) and Lara (33). How are they doing now – exactly five months later?

Alisa (24) out Zhurivka: “In the Netherlands I can help my country better than from a cellar”

Alisa is a singer and blogger.


Alisa is a singer and blogger.

Alisa is a singer and blogger.

“Before the war, I lived near Irpin with my friend and cat. We rented a small apartment that I loved very much. As a singer I gave concerts and performances on TV. I am also a blogger on Instagram.”

“On February 24, my life changed forever. I was woken up by my mother, who said that the war had started. The town near their village had been shelled. She was crying. My friend and I took our passports and the cat and went to my parents.”

“We stayed there for 54 days. Sometimes the sirens sounded up to five times a night. Then we would wake up, pack our things and go to the basement. My old grandmother can’t walk and we couldn’t possibly take her up the ladder. My mother cried every time. Those were the worst days of my life.”

“A friend invited me to perform at a charity concert in the Netherlands. I refused, but my family persuaded me. In the Netherlands I can help my country better than from a basement. It was the hardest choice of my life, but I I went with my sister and her cat.”

“We went with my sister’s car and it took four days. We arrived in the Netherlands on April 19. There we were welcomed by a wonderful family in Lunteren. They made us an apartment in their garage. and learn new songs every day. Also, I still blog and spend a lot of time with my new parents. They help me to take my mind off the war. I am very grateful to them.”

“I am in contact with my parents and boyfriend every day. They are happy that I am safe, but I am very worried. I cry every day and I really want to go back. I keep the news 24/7, as my Dutch father says that I shouldn’t.”

Lara (33) from Kyiv: “We slept in the wardrobe”

Lara used to be a fashion designer and is now a social media manager.


Lara used to be a fashion designer and is now a social media manager.

Lara used to be a fashion designer and is now a social media manager.

“My mother is an architect and designed her own house near Irpin. It is very high-tech, with large windows and a glass door. She lived there just when the Russians invaded the area. As a fashion designer I travel a lot for work, but then I stayed with her. It was terrifying. The glass was shaking continuously from all the shelling and the sky was black with fighter planes. It felt like we were in an aquarium.”

Lara’s mother designed her own house.


Lara's mother designed her own house.

Lara’s mother designed her own house.

“For my mother, that house was her life’s work. She didn’t want to leave and I didn’t want to leave her. We stayed for eight days. Through a chat group, we got in touch with a group of neighbors who had guns. They let us know when the lights went out. We had to and when we had to find a safe place. We didn’t have one, so we slept in the cloakroom.”

Lara’s mother sleeps in the wardrobe.


Lara's mother sleeps in the wardrobe.

Lara’s mother sleeps in the wardrobe.

“After eight days, all the neighbors left. I asked my mother if she wanted us to be raped. Then she couldn’t refuse anymore. We left with three cars.”

“We had no idea where to go until my Russian cousin called. He told us to come to him in Amsterdam and bought us tickets. We have been helped so much by him and many others. It is unbelievable what I have There is even a community of women from countries like Russia, Belarus and Ukraine who help each other. When I asked if I could borrow summer clothes, about twenty women came by.”

“After a month with my cousin, I found an apartment in Amsterdam for me and my mother. I also found a job as a social media manager for the European Cultural Academy. I’m so happy with it, I’m now in Venice for work for the Biennale with my mother.”

“If possible, I want to stay in the Netherlands after this. I lost everything because of the war, but it also gave me new opportunities. I realize that this is different for many people. My mother is very depressed, she wants to get out as soon as possible.” back.”

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