A Ukrainian refugee living in Quebec has been going through hard times since the news of her husband’s death at the Bakhmout battlefield in Donbass.
• Also read: Back or stay forever? The dilemma of Ukrainians in Quebec
Help is organized in the Ukrainian community of Quebec so that the lady can attend the funeral in Ukraine.
Ilona Melnychenko, 32, arrived in the province a few months ago with her 10-year-old daughter.
Fortunately, at the end of her strength, the lady could count on the generosity of representatives of the Ukrainian community.
Thanks to the donations collected, the refugee can make her way to the Ukraine to say goodbye to her husband Victor one last time.
A representative of Ukrainians in Quebec explains the difficulties refugees face in the face of uncertainty about what is happening in their home country.
“I came to see her on Monday night and I can tell you it’s difficult. Look into the eyes of a 32-year-old woman who has lost her husband [c’est difficile] […]. Finally, one day before their daughter’s birthday, they found out [qu’il avait] were killed,” says Nataliya Lityuk, who was able to speak to the refugee before she left.
Refugees, thousands of miles from home, fear bad news; this is the harsh reality of Ukrainians fleeing the war.
Organizations offer their support to these vulnerable people who often live in insecurity.
“It’s everyday stress. Every day I see women struggling to learn French and raise their children as a result […]; They are extremely brave women. When Ilona comes back, like her daughter, she will need moral and psychological support,” says Luce Dubé, head of the Ukrainian Refugee Reception and Action Committee.
Keep in mind that heavy fighting is ongoing in the Donbass, especially in Bakhmout, where positions of Ukrainian soldiers are constantly being shelled by Russian artillery.