Survival Diary: The Story of Iulia, a Refugee Mother from Ukraine
Iulia, a 28-year-old woman with kind eyes and a smile that once radiated optimism, lived in the quiet city of Sumy, Ukraine, where she had built her life step by step, dreaming of a bright future for herself and her family. She has a two-year-old daughter, whom she loves and cares for with all her heart, and every time she looks at her, her heart fills with hope. She had a close-knit family, with caring parents and wise grandparents who supported her in everything she did.
But one day, everything changed. The war struck suddenly and mercilessly, bringing chaos, fear, and uncertainty. Sumy, the city that had been her home, overnight turned into a nightmare. The sounds of explosions and gunfire became a daily reality, and the peace that once prevailed was replaced by panic and despair.
Iulia and her family were forced to take shelter in the hallway of their home, trying to protect themselves as best they could from the threats outside. Days and nights blurred into one long, endless string of terror-filled hours. In their makeshift shelter, Iulia clutched her daughter tightly to her chest, trying to protect her, even though her heart was torn by fear and pain.
As time passed, the horrors of war became harder to bear. The news of the deaths of familiar families hit her deeply, each loss cutting into her soul. She knew she couldn’t continue like this, that she had to do something to protect her child, even if it meant leaving behind her parents and grandparents, the people she loved most.
The decision to leave was not easy. The thought of parting from her family, of leaving them behind in the midst of war, broke her heart. But for her daughter’s safety, Iulia chose to leave for Moldova, hoping to find a safer place there.
The city of Bălți in Moldova welcomed them with open arms. There, amidst the unknown, Iulia found warmth and support. At the UNFPA Community Center, she was greeted with sincere smiles and the promise of help. She received both psychological and material support, and every question she had, every worry, was met with patience and understanding.
Iulia began to rebuild her life in Bălți. Slowly but surely, she found the strength to move forward, to rise above her pain, and to create a new future for herself and her daughter. And though the war had taken away her peace and a part of her soul, Iulia found in Moldova a place where she could regain hope.
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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