Ukrainian women living in Iceland express their gratitude for the local support amid the ongoing war in their homeland, which marks four years since the Russian invasion began.
Two Ukrainian women, Svitlana Pukhova and Oksana Shabatura, who have lived in Iceland for varying lengths of time, reflect on the difficulties of witnessing the ongoing war in Ukraine on its anniversary. Despite years of conflict, they express gratitude for the support they receive from Icelanders, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in such challenging times.
Pukhova arrived as a refugee shortly after the war began in 2022, while Shabatura has been in Iceland for about twenty years and has worked hard to integrate by learning the language and contributing to society. Both women find it hard to believe that four years have passed since the beginning of the large-scale Russian invasion, highlighting their hopes that the conflict would be brief and justice would prevail in their homeland. Their stories are a poignant reminder of the personal struggles faced by those affected by the conflict, even from afar.
As they commemorate this somber milestone, their voices add to the growing narrative of resilience among Ukrainians, showcasing how support from other nations can be vital for those fleeing war. The ongoing war has far-reaching implications not only for Ukraine but also for the global community, as solidarity emerges in various forms across borders.
