More than 1.3 million Ukrainians have already fled the fighting in their country. Some find refuge with us. To welcome them, solidarity is organised: the refugees are housed in municipal buildings, hotels or with families. We met a family who arrived in Brussels this Saturday.

They are exhausted after traveling more than 2,400 kilometers. Diana, Yanisse and their two children come from southern Ukraine. It took them a week of travel to arrive in Belgium. A journey that will mark them forever. “When we crossed the Ukrainian border, we went through Romania, Vienna, through Germany. I didn’t understand anything, I was crying all the time. My husband too. We chose Belgium because my husband understands a little French“, explains Diana.

We made the decision to leave as soon as the Russians said it was a strategic point

Coming from Odessa, the family tells us that they had no other choice. We had to leave to avoid the worst. “We made the decision to leave as soon as the Russians said it was a strategic point for them. They announced that the city would be taken by all means“, says Yanisse. During our interview, tears come to her eyes when she thinks about all they left behind.

Arriving on Belgian soil this Saturday morning, the family had to register at the Foreigners’ Office, send their passports back once again, then hope to find accommodation. “All we hope for the children is that they would be able to eat, that they could take a bath and that they would be a roof to sleep in.“, confides Diana in the office of the administration.

They will get what is called temporary protected status

All Ukrainians arriving here can benefit from temporary protection in Belgium. There are already more than 300 since yesterday. “Here, they are registered. They will obtain what is called temporary protection status. This is a status that gives them a legal stay for one year in Belgium. This stay is renewable”, explains Dominique Ernould, spokesperson of the Foreigners Office.

Head to the hotel

After long hours of waiting, accommodation is assigned to the family. They set off again, heading for a hotel in Brussels. To get there, you have to make do with public transport. In the tram, the family says they are relieved. “I’m happy because we’re very tired“, breathes Yanisse, a smile of reduction on the lips.

The family will be able to stay in a hotel for a few days. A room is made available to them free of charge by the Brussels hotel sector. “The keys are made for quite a long time, and then we’ll see how it goes“, explains the hotel employee at the reception.

The parents have not slept peacefully for a long time, gripped by fear. So when they discover their room, smiles return to their faces. “Now we’re quiet, I’ve calmed down, I can sleep this time“, launches Diane.

Yanisse, Diana and their children will then go to a host family in Belgium. They hope to return to their countries soon.