On February 14, a tragic incident occurred in North Carolina when Kateryna Tovmash, a 21-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was shot and killed in her home. This incident follows a similar murder of another Ukrainian woman, Iryna Zarutska, in August 2025, raising concerns about the safety of Ukrainian refugees in the United States. The killing has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities faced by refugees who are fleeing conflict and seeking safety in a new country.

The circumstances of Kateryna's death suggest a personal connection to the suspect, identified as her former boyfriend, Caleb Hayden Fosno, who reportedly traveled from Ohio to unlawfully enter her home. This suggests a premeditated act fueled by personal motives, which raises alarms regarding domestic violence and the specific risks that victims in refugee situations may encounter. Mykhailo Tovmash, Kateryna's brother, publicly expressed his grief and the shock that such violence could happen in what they sought as a safe haven.

This incident highlights the broader issue of safety for refugees, particularly women, in the face of not only crime but also potential discrimination and societal challenges in their host countries. As the community processes this tragedy, it calls for greater attention to the security and support systems in place for refugees, ensuring that they are protected and can find the peace they seek after fleeing war and conflict.