“The islanders accepted me as their own” - Nataliia’s story

“If you asked me to describe Ukraine in one sentence, I would say that it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world with incredible nature and wonderful people,” Nataliia said.  

“I was living my wonderful life in Ukraine, building a career and plans for the future, when Russia decided to destroy my country for the umpteenth time in history. The month of February began, the black month of February 2022, with Russia's full-scale invasion.”  

Nataliia, who was born and lived in the capital of Kyiv , continued: “On the eve of the full-scale invasion, many people realised that it was inevitable. I was reading reports in the foreign press, preparing myself mentally for the war, and calculating my plans of action in case of war. At that time, the country's leadership, including the President, was convinced that war was impossible.”  

On the morning of 24 February 2022, Nataliia’s partner woke her with the words: “war has started”.    

It may seem strange to others, but Nataliia said there was almost a feeling of relief and her attention quickly focused on what to do next.  

Nataliia – a teacher at a university  – said she was determined to remain in Ukraine and help her fellow citizens. At 9am on the morning of war, she started her online lecture and the students attended. A semblance of normality in among the craziness.  

She went to her parents home and they rushed to buy supplies such as medicine and food for themselves and others and even delivered water to checkpoints.  

“I felt that I was giving the least - money - while others were giving away their health and lives. I had a deep belief that the civilized world would stop this, and that goodness and justice would prevail.”  

Nataliia continued: “In the first week of the war, we had insufficient food in the stores, there was no bread. Pharmacies were open only during certain hours, but it was not always possible to buy the necessary medicines. I shared medicines with neighbours and strangers.  We slept with my son in the corridor; in the evening everyone turned off the lights in the houses so as not to attract unnecessary attention (light camouflage).  

“The street was very loud with rocket explosions and hail shots coming from the neighbourhood, but I tried to stay calm and clear-headed. Some rockets fell near my house, I saw broken windows, people in panic and complete despair. The country was gripped by terror.  Despite all the horror, everyone in the house followed the laws, helped each other, supported each other.”  

Despite the war, Nataliia tried as best she could to carry on with her life and continued her lectures for as long as she could – searching out internet cafes and even working from her car when necessary. 

“After the de-occupation of the Kyiv region, we began to feel some relief, but in mid-autumn massive missile attacks on critical infrastructure began. We had no electricity, no communication, no heat, no water, we were cooking on a barbecue, we were just back in the Stone Age.” 

The final straw came when her young son fell ill, and she decided she had to leave, to give up her career and become a refugee. Her parents remain in Ukraine.   

Thanks to social media, Nataliia was able to find a host family in Orkney – Papa Westray to be exact and they moved here in January 2023.  

“I was very worried about how my life would be in a new country, how my son would adapt and how my parents would be without me.   

“Fortunately, these worries were in vain, because the islanders quickly helped me, and my son adapted to the new living conditions. I think God loves me very much, because despite the horror I went through, my family and I were alive. Thanks to my hosts, I was able to feel at home here.  

“Now, when I ask my son what he remembers about the war, he says it was cool, we went to cafes, parks, played a lot and read. Fortunately, he does not remember all the horror he had to go through: how the plaster fell during rocket attacks, how we ran to hide from rockets, how he flinched from every loud sound in the first days after arriving in the Orkney Islands.”  

Nataliia is incredibly grateful to all who have helped – in particular Gill Tennant who assisted with finding the host family; the Council together with other organisations and companies who provided us with free access to a swimming pool, free public transport, and gifts for the children for the holidays, the opportunity to attend a children's camp for free and much more. I would like to express my special gratitude to Nataliia Kuzmina, the Council’s Resettlement Scheme Project Manager, who is in touch with Ukrainians 24/7 and is always ready to help, and the wonderful staff of the Job Centre.  

“The people of Papa Westray and my hosts deserve special attention. The islanders accepted me as their own, always helped me and provided me with work. My hosts treat me and my son like their own children.  

“I have a separate house, they gave me a car, we spend weekends and holidays together. I constantly feel warmth and support from the hosts. I consult with them on a lot of issues, they always support me, they are always ready to listen and help with everything. I have no words to express my gratitude to these people. They became my second family.”  

Nataliia began volunteering as soon as she settled in, working in the community garden and she continues to work as a lecturer at a Ukrainian university. She is also making beaded bracelets.  

Remaining defiant and ever hopeful, Nataliia said: “One day, I will return home. I hope that after our victory, many people from the UK and Orkney Islands will visit Ukraine.”