We have everything, but the soul stayed at home. More and more Ukrainians are leaving Slovakia for their homes
Kyyiv woman Julia Fedorchenko came to Slovakia in March, spent her first days in a children’s camp in Juskova Vola, and has been living with a friend and her daughter in a rented apartment in Poprad since the beginning of April. Volunteers helped them find accommodation.
According to her, it was very difficult in the camp. “I was very sad for my husband in the first few days. There were a lot of people in the hostel, each with their own moods and temperament, “describes Julija. It was better in the rented apartment – also thanks to the owner, who willingly helps them all.
Julija works in the IT sector in Kyjiv, so she could continue working remotely in Slovakia. Therefore, she did not even ask for the necessary support from the Slovak state. In fact, she would be completely satisfied in Slovakia – if her husband were here as well. In a few days, therefore, she is going to return home to Kyjiva to be closer to him.
When the war began, Julia’s husband joined the army voluntarily. “It was unexpected for me, but I know he is where he should be, I support him and I am proud of him,” he says.
He knows that even if he returns to Ukraine, he may see his husband only once a month. Already during her current stay in Slovakia, she went twice to “turn” to Uzhhorod to spend at least a few minutes with her husband, who came to see her. “Even though the trip took me 12 hours, it was worth it,” he says.
She and her husband have been together for 18 years. “We both had a home office during the pandemic, so we were together almost non-stop for two years.” That’s why the separation that came with the war is very difficult. “I can’t even describe it. I have a feeling that they have taken away everything that was alive in me. I still feel cold and despair – like me