Zinaida’s Story: A Life Transformed by War and the Support of Moldova
Zinaida is a Ukrainian refugee who settled in Moldova in 2022. Today, we share her story.
Zinaida was born near the Carpathian Mountains, in a picturesque village in Ukraine, where traditions and nature come together in an unforgettable landscape. She spent her childhood there, surrounded by majestic mountains and mysterious forests.
Her destiny led her to Kharkiv, where she married the man she still loves today. Together, they built a beautiful life, full of hopes and dreams. Everything seemed perfect until the day Russia invaded Ukraine. Their lives changed drastically, and fear and uncertainty became part of their daily reality. With her children in her arms, Zinaida made the difficult decision to flee for their safety.
Moldova became their destination, a country where her husband had relatives. They arrived full of doubts and fear, but they were welcomed with extraordinary warmth. Her husband’s relatives opened their doors and hearts, offering unconditional shelter and support.
“I have no words to express my gratitude to the Moldovan people. In these difficult moments, I discovered a nation with big hearts, open minds, and a caring attitude that supported us every step of the way. We never expected to be received with such love and generosity,” Zinaida shared.
She especially wanted to thank the UNFPA team for the support they provided. “My thanks go to the organizers, the director, sponsors, and most of all, the psychologists. Their support has given us not only material help but also emotional comfort, bringing a bit of light into our darkened lives,” she said gratefully.
“Today, thanks to all these wonderful people, we feel that we are not alone. The trials we have faced have made us stronger and shown us that hope and kindness exist even in the hardest times. Moldova has given us not only refuge but a new family, and for that, we will always be grateful.”
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.
