Donetsk Pensioners Decide to Return Home After Two Years in Moldova

Elena and Vladislav, pensioners from Donetsk, have decided to return to Ukraine after spending two years in Moldova. Following the Russian invasion, the couple was forced to leave their home, with fear turning into horror as the violence escalated. Although their children and grandchildren settled in distant countries, Elena and Vladislav chose Moldova to stay closer to home. “It’s closer, and we can return anytime,” said Vladislav.

Deeply affected by the conflict, they expressed their dissatisfaction with the suffering caused by the war and the inability of political leaders to reach a consensus to end the hostilities.

With the help of a psychologist from Safe Space Homecare/UNFPA, Elena and Vladislav participated in a family counseling session, where they openly shared their fears and anxieties accumulated over the past years. “We fear for our safety and the safety of our loved ones. The uncertainty about the future has made us feel powerless,” Elena confessed. Vladislav added, “We left behind an entire life, and the thought of not being able to return is hard to accept.”

They also discussed the importance of maintaining connections with family and friends, both in Moldova and Ukraine, as a source of emotional support. They decided to attend regular meetings with other Ukrainian refugees to share experiences and support one another.

Elena and Vladislav have now decided to return to their relatives in Kyiv, expressing hope that they will soon be able to return to their home in Donetsk.

According to United Nations data, over 10 million Ukrainians have been forced to leave their homes since the start of the conflict.

This activity is part of the “Improving Access to Essential Health and Protection Services for Refugees from Ukraine and Host Communities” program, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA Moldova) in Moldova and funded by the European Union.

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