C.she constantly checks her cell phone, the only means that makes her feel close to her parents who remained in Ukraine: Daryna is 21, studying International Business Management in Warsaw, Poland, where she also opened a small events agency. But its roots are in Chernihiv, the Ukrainian city on the border with Belarus, in recent weeks under attack by Russian bombings.
Daryna
An unexpected birthday
“Four years ago I moved to Poland to study, but I have always kept alive the bond with my land and my family. In fact, on February 18, I arrived in Ukraine to spend a relaxing week and celebrate my birthday with my parents»He recalls recalling the joy of the party organized by his loved ones on the evening of 23 February.
It is a distant memory for Daryna who, the next day, was awakened by the bombs: «I could hardly believe it – he says – I immediately called my ex-boyfriend, in military service on the Belarusian border, fearing he was in danger. Meanwhile, my parents made me prepare my backpack in a hurry to escape to Lvivwhere we would later be able to meet again ».
The flight to Poland
But this was not the case because, while Daryna drove 40 hours with some acquaintances on their way to the Polish border, his parents remained in Chernihiv. “For the first two weeks, my mother and father refused to leave home. They took refuge in the basement without electricity and heating. While my father fought in the street with the other civilians, my mother tried to get in touch with me, fearing every time she was the last “she says, proud of having managed, a few days ago, to convince her parents to flee to the Polish border.
The grandmother remained in Chernihiv
It was not an easy decision, as they also drop bombs on fleeing civilians in Chernihiv, but Daryna’s parents are now safe and sound in Lviv. Even if it is a momentary security, why Russian attacks are also spreading into western Ukraine.
“These are terrible days, I’m worried about my family. Moreover my grandmother got stuck in a basement in Chernihiv, her house was destroyed “ he adds, revealing that, at first, they had thought of moving to that very house because they believed that the city center would not be bombed.
The commitment as a volunteer
She considers herself lucky, even if she fears she will never be able to see her city again, where her family’s dreams and business have been shattered. But, now, for the young Ukrainian is not the time to feel sorry for herself: in Warsaw she is among the volunteers who welcome and help refugees arriving from Ukraine.
«Even if I already knew this land that has hosted me for 4 years, I was surprised by the availability of the Poles. We have organized a volunteer center to provide basic necessities and shelters to refugees” goes on.
Among other things, Daryna has made available her apartment in Warsaw, where Valeria, a friend of hers who ran away from Chernihiv, arrived yesterday. And, soon, she hopes to be able to hug her parents too.
The power of hope
He does not hold back the tears, but he does not give up: “I believe in our victory, in my country. We will fight for our land, until the end, “she concludes, while her mother, via a message on her cell phone, tells her that their home in Chernihiv has also been hit.
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