Mother from Ukraine pays emotional tribute to the Highlands a year after Russian invasion
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A mother who came with her daughters to the Highlands from Ukraine has spoken of the fond memories they have of their time in the region.
A family newly returned to Ukraine has spoken on the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of their country of how much they miss the Highlands.
Julia Ivantsok, her daughters Lera and Yeva and mother-in-law Gala lived with sponsors Sue and Donald Fraser in Cannich and grew to love the area.
Returning to Odessa to rejoin Julia’s husband and wider family she said it had been “very difficult” to leave Scotland.
Lera and Yeva attended Cannich Bridge Primary and Glen Urquhart High School while they were in the Highlands and Julia worked at Urquhart Castle.
She said they all cried when it was time to leave.
“I had a good job and many good friends,” she said.
“Sue and I were crying all last week. It hurt to leave.
“We were very lucky to be in Sue and Donald’s house. They helped us in everything and took care of us like parents. They are the most beautiful and kind people I have ever met.”
She added: “Donald and Sue organised a farewell party for us, where many people and children came.
“Donald hung a Ukrainian flag on the house. The neighbours came from my work, the villagers, the girls’ teachers and friends from school, Sue’s grandchildren, the school bus driver, there were a lot of people.
“It was a day full of tears.
“My child had the most bitter tears of her life, my heart burst with pain. And we left.
“Our relatives were waiting for us at home, we were happy to see them.
“But every morning I wake up and cry. It’s hard to see absolute hopelessness in my city, but here we are a full-fledged family.”
Communicating with the Courier via email yesterday she told how even as she was typing there was an air raid alert warning of a possible Russian missile attack.
“Now the most dangerous days are here, because tomorrow, February 24, is exactly one year since the war began and our life turned upside down,” she said yesterday.
“Now I dream of being our small family in the Highlands, where it is calm and safe.”
“I dream of Scotland.”
“Maybe I can do it, it’s hard to say, but my heart is still with Scotland."
