The reception extension is good for the residents: “The longer we can be safe, the better.” But it also produces a dilemma, because with every year that passes by, families get deeper rooted in Amsterdam. Children go to school, speak Dutch. Their parents work and build here – often with more effort – also a life: “We are very grateful for all the support we receive as Ukrainians,” says a mother. “We want to go back someday. But don’t know when.”
For many families, the children are leading in that choice. The mother continues: “My son has half a childhood here, I would like it so much if he could finish his school here and then choose where he wants to be.” Oleksandra: “I want to go to Ukraine, because I also have friends there. Only with the war I really don’t want to go there.”