A Tale of Resilience: Ukrainian Family Finds Refugee and Support in Germany through EU4UA

In the spring of 2022, as the conflict in Ukraine escalated, many Ukrainian families found themselves having to make a difficult decision: leaving their country, home, family, and friends behind or staying in a war-torn country, risking their lives. Tetjana and her husband and son faced precisely this decision. Driven by a sense of duty, her husband joined the Armed Forces to defend Ukraine from the Russian forces, ensuring the safety of his family. Tetjana recounts, "It would be easier for him to defend the state when he knows his family is safe."

Tetjana, along with her son, therefore sought refuge outside Ukraine and found it in Germany. Like most Ukrainians, it was an incredibly difficult time for them, marked by fear, uncertainty, and a constant barrage of heartbreaking news from their homeland. While on the road in search of safety, Tetjana’s husband discovered the EU4UA platform, connecting them with individuals and families across Europe willing to offer housing support.

Tetjana’s husband shared their story and photos with EU4UA , and soon they received a response from compassionate students from an art school in Frankfurt, Germany. According to Tetjana, the apartment they were invited to, became a second home for them, and their hosts, Brigitta and Thomas and their two adult sons, became a second family. “We felt such a power of support, humanity and warmth of their hearts”, Tetjana recalls.

The transition to Frankfurt brought with it a profound contrast—on one side, the unsettling events in Ukraine, and on the other, the calm and stability of their new environment. During the initial months, the family experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, dealing with depression, stress, uncertainty, and the collapse of dreams. Simultaneously grappling with a relentless stream of distressing updates from Ukraine, the family faced persistent fear for their husband and father, who had already been wounded once while fighting in Bakhmut. “My husband had no military experience and is risking his life every second”, stresses Tetjana.

Despite these challenges, Germany unfolded to them as a discovery of incredible people with big hearts, history, and traditions. Grateful for the warmth and support they received, Tetjana and her family immersed themselves in various initiatives. In just three months, they established a mini Artforum in Offenbach Main, a testament to their resilience and determination to bring a piece of Ukraine to their new home. This artistic endeavour, supported in 2020 by the influential American historian Timothy Snyder, a staunch defender for Ukraine since the war’s beginning, became a focal point for expressing their cultural identity and raising awareness about the ongoing war.

She adds:

"In 2020, at the start of the project, Timothy Snyder supported us. This clarification is important) because he may have forgotten, and we have his video of participation))"

Now, 18 months into their stay, Tetjana reflects on the myriad of positive experiences in Germany. The kindness of the German people, the delicate support in their initiatives they received, and their genuine interest in their cultural narrative have become an enduring part of their experience. The family has actively engaged in cultural and social projects, organizing events, exhibitions, and discussions to amplify the voice of Ukraine on the international stage. One such initiative involves the creation of a calendar featuring 53 real frontline photographs of Ukrainian writers actively serving at the frontlines for Ukraine. The project's primary goal is to generate funds for mine boots to support the fighters. Their involvement extended to organizing events during the Frankfurt Buchmesse, collaborating with international organizations like Pulse of Europe, and supporting initiatives like Jazz for Ukraine.

Looking ahead, Tetjana envisions a future where the barriers between Ukraine and the world are bridged through language and understanding."I think Ukraine today is defending the flank of Europe and the principles of democracy, freedom, and human rights. Ukrainians need understanding and humanity from the whole world and influence on their politicians and leaders to protect them" , she underscores. Her dream includes creating an international media platform in European capitals to share crucial information about Ukraine, fostering a collective effort to prevent or mitigate global crises.

Tetjana and her son are now preparing to return to Ukraine in spring to be closer to their husband and father, who they are helping with military needs. Tetjana envisions a post-war future, in which she aspires to rebuild Ukraine together with the international community and like-minded people. Her and her family's story is one of resilience, determination, and deep gratitude for the support she and her family found in Germany. Their story is a testament to the power of human kindness, the strength of community, and the ability to find hope in the darkest of times.

As a message to her fellow nationals, she says:

"I would like to wish everyone strength, good health, to take care of themselves and others, to support their country, their defenders because Ukraine rests on their shoulders. That is why our task is to convey our love for Ukraine to all people, to become active ambassadors and lobbyists of Ukraine at all micro-levels, on horizontal ties, to build a powerful system of mutual support and involvement of people in solidarity with us in various fields."