SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — This week, Ukraine marked its 1,000 days of war. ABC 10News reporter Madison Weil has covered the conflict since the start and its many heartbreaking ties here in San Diego.
On Tuesday, she connected with Kira and Nikita, two young siblings from Ukraine who have been separated from their parents for over two and a half years. The last time we heard their story was back in August 2022, when they were adjusting to life and school in Escondido, California.
“I miss home and family,” said Kira wistfully. Their parents are currently active-duty military members back home in Ukraine. Given the time differences, power shortages, and security concerns, the siblings only manage to speak with their parents for brief moments through FaceTime. “The fact we can talk to them, but they’re just not next to us, is the saddest part,” added Nikita, reflecting on their distance.
Initially, Kira and Nikita came to stay with extended family to escape the unpredictable attacks orchestrated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. When they first arrived, neither child knew much English, but fast forward two and half years, they're now fluent. Kira is currently thriving in elementary school, whereas Nikita is making strides as he transitions to middle school.
“I just miss everything. I miss my friends there; I miss the way things were,” expressed Nikita, who clearly longs for his previous life. Nevertheless, there’s still joy to be found. For Nikita, one of his favorite places has become Balboa Park, and Kira particularly enjoys visiting SeaWorld.
Despite the challenges, their parents remain optimistic about the educational opportunities available to their children. “They think San Diego offers us incredible chances for American education,” noted Nikita, who has big aspirations. Kira dreams of becoming an astronaut, and her brother aspires to be an engineer. “When I return to Ukraine, I want to help rebuild our country,” said Nikita, reflecting not only the hope of youth but also the burden of their past.
Meanwhile, the broader impact of the war continues to shape the lives of countless Ukrainian refugees. Organizations like Samaritan’s Purse are stepping up to help these families piece their lives back together. Particularly, they focus on empowering small-scale farmers devastated by military actions, helping them to rebuild grain storehouses ravaged by war.
According to Ryan Lane, the Ukraine Country Director for Samaritan’s Purse, “Farming is the lifeblood of Ukraine.” This country has been known as the breadbasket of Europe for generations, and restoring these farms not only helps families survive but also acts as a beacon of hope amid the destruction. “With the onslaught of attacks coming from Russian military forces, thousands of farms and agricultural centers across Ukraine have been destroyed,” Lane highlighted the grim reality faced by farmers.
One poignant example involves two brothers, Andriy and Borys, who, before the war, were content farming the Kherson region of Ukraine. Their agricultural efforts not only supported their families but also fed their community. Sadly, the invasion led to their lives being upturned. When the Russian forces took over their town, many residents fled, including Andriy and his wife, Kateryna, who left behind their farm when resistance became unbearable.
During their absence, enemy forces used their property to launch attacks, leaving their grain storehouse, refinery, and mill either damaged or destroyed. Their brother Borys and his family attempted to stay behind but faced crippling shortages of basic necessities. They survived near-constant artillery fire by sheltering in their basement.
After months of occupation, Ukrainian forces liberated the village. Andriy and Kateryna returned home, only to discover extensive destruction. The urgency to restore their livelihood became clear. “We needed to get our farm and equipment running again,” Andriy stated, echoing the sentiments of many returning refugees.
Samaritan’s Purse rallied behind them, assisting with the restoration of the grain storehouse, providing much-needed respite for families eager to resume their roots and rebuild their lives.
Across the border, the conflict's ramifications stretch beyond Ukraine. For many families, like Natalia’s who fled Odesa with her two children, the dream of stability has also been reshaped. Now residing at the SOS Autism center, Natalia recounts how the war devastated their lives. “Before the war, our life was peaceful,” she said with nostalgia, reminiscing of their comfortable home and community.
Refugee experiences like Natalia’s are common, as over one million Ukrainians have fled through Moldova since the conflict's onset. Presently, around 120,000 Ukrainians, including 52,000 children, continue to seek refuge there.
When Natalia arrived in Chișinău, her family found comfort and support at the Center. Financial aid, particularly the one-time childbirth allowance they received, has been instrumental. Many mothers, including Natalia, speak about its role “practically saving us.” The aid allows families to purchase necessities for their children, permitting them to establish some semblance of normalcy.
Despite the uncertainty of their future, thoughts of returning to Ukraine linger. ${'She said but I also dream of making this place my own.'} With challenges like learning Romanian to improve communication, she holds hope for the future, believing they might eventually become permanent residents of Moldova if returning home isn’t viable.
While life carries on for many Ukrainians seeking peace and rebuilding hope, the path forward remains intertwined with resilience, dreams of reconstruction, and the shared weight of loss. Their stories of adaptation shine through as they bear witness to the harsh realities of war yet remain connected to their roots and aspirations for the future.
Time will only tell how these brave hearts will contribute to the rebuilding of their war-torn homeland or if their future remains intertwined with the lands they have fled to.
