Uprooted by War: Three years later

Stories of Displaced Ukrainians in Rivne

For those who once called Bakhmut, Siversk, Slovyansk, and Bilopilliya home, life now feels like an endless waiting game. The war has forced them from everything familiar, leaving them struggling to rebuild far from home. Their words paint a picture of loss, resilience, and the fragile hope that sustains them.

A Son’s Prayer

Danylo, from Slovyansk, reflects on the pain of separation: "I didn't want to leave my home. I miss my friends and dream of seeing them again. I don't have close friends here. I find it difficult to trust people, even though the locals are good to me and try to help. I worry about my father, who's in the army. I pray to God. I can't do it correctly maybe, but I do it sincerely."

Living Out of a Suitcase

Nataliya, from Siversk in the Donetsk region, recounts the challenges of displacement: "I miss home. I miss my life. My house was destroyed by bombing, as well as my town. It's hard to live in a dormitory. Several families live in one big room. For several years, we've lived out of suitcases. It's difficult to settle down and adjust. Thank God I found work. My son goes to the local school. I thank God for the local people and for the Mission who help; it wouldn't be possible to survive without their support."

A Dream of Returning

Olena, from Slovyansk in the Donetsk region, holds onto hope: "I hope to return home one day. I'm already old, and I dream of seeing my own town and my home again. I worry about my relatives, who stayed at home with their lives under threat. Our town is close to the front line. We try to support each other, and it makes our lives better."

A Future Stolen

Maksym, from Bakhmut in the Donetsk region, expresses profound despair: "The uncertainty is killing me. Hope for peace and positive change is fading. I feel stuck. I lost everything I had: my house, my work, my friends and relatives, my town. I have diabetes, and it's progressing because of stress and the absence of proper medication. I feel disappointed and deceived."

A Heavy Burden

Anna, also from Slovyansk, shares her longing for peace: "I miss a normal, peaceful life. Two years ago, my husband was taken into the army. He's on the front line. I worry about him and dream of seeing him safe soon. War is unjust. We carry the burden of loss and tragedy every day. It's hard to stay optimistic, and I don't feel any joy although I try hard, but I'm thankful for the people who support us and for the Mission's help."

A Mother’s heart

Lidiya, from Bilopilliya in the Sumska region, faces the challenges of raising children amidst uncertainty: "My village is partly destroyed. It's 18 kilometres from Russia. I have three children to look after, who are five, 10 and 12 years old. My worries are for them. I want to give them a better future, but I don't know how. Sometimes I feel too weak and it feels impossible. My children were traumatised by war, and they're still afraid of it. I pray for peace and that we'd return to normal life. Still, I understand that things will never be the same again, unfortunately. I appreciate all the people and the Mission staff who try to help us in any way they can."

You can Help bring Hope

These heartfelt testimonies reveal not only the deep scars of war but also the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. The need for support remains urgent—not only for food, clothing, and shelter but for walking alongside refugees in their grief, loneliness, and uncertainty.

Join us in standing with them, offering not just aid, but the reassurance that they are not alone as they rebuild their lives. Your generosity can bring comfort, stability, and hope to those who have lost so much.

Make a difference today—donate now.