Norwich-settled teen speaks about life after leaving Ukraine

Ahead of the gathering outside City Hall, journalism student Kseniia Filipchuk shares her experience of settling into life in Norfolk after the outbreak of the war.

A radical change

Me and my mother Tetiana decided to leave Odesa for Poland in May 2022, three months after the war had started. We arrived with thoughts that the war would soon be over and we would be able to return home.

We lived in Poland for three months, in the town of Ruda Slaska, a foreign country but at the same time so familiar and close. We could only thank people in Poland for everything but decided to move to England so that I could study and we could continue living.

UK prime minister Rishi Sunak met with Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky, left, in Kyiv last month to announce a new £2.5bn package of military aid (Image: PA Wire)

As soon as we arrived, I felt pain. I was very hurt by the fact that I did not return home after three months in Poland, but left even further from my motherland.

Upon arrival to a completely unfamiliar country, I felt something that I had not felt for a long time. I felt what I felt in Ukraine before the Russian invasion. It was safe. 

Warmth and love

We were placed with a simply incredible person. Penny, at her home in Loddon. 

Penny is an athlete, she runs long distances and more than once she has suggested that I start, but I just started going to the gym. She enjoys life. She is very inspiring. I love her sense of humour.

I like to go places in her blue Volkswagen. Penny does a lot for us. I thank her for such patience, for her warmth and love. 

Our second home

We have been living in Loddon for more than a year. I love this village. It is as cosy as possible. Everything is here.

READ MORE: National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine perform in Norwich

As soon as I or my mother have time, we go for a walk and enjoy the old English vibe. We take ice cream and go to the river. This is how we spent warm summer evenings. 

A feeling of shame

This year was probably the most difficult of my life. This is due to the desire to be at home, the desire to feel what the people still in Ukraine feel.

Newly trained Ukrainian artillery specialists fire British donated artillery guns under the supervision of British Army instructors in July 2023 (Image: PA Wire)

During the explosions, the feeling of shame that they were there and I was here, safe, was killing me. The news from home is just terrible.

Probably the only thing that saved me was my work. I distracted myself and talked with clients, colleagues and friends. It was at my job that I felt very comfortable.

There I was able not to think about such serious things, but as soon as I left, my feelings return.

I love this city

Norwich is a fine city with wonderful people. I love Norwich. I love walking these streets, going to different establishments and trying new food and coffee.

Norwich City Hall was lit up in the colours of the Ukraine flag to show support a year on from Russia's invasion (Image: Newsquest)

Norwich's book and vintage shops hold a special place in my heart. I feel very comfortable here, but certainly not like at home in my native Odesa.

I spend more time at home than in Loddon. I love this city, especially in the evenings the atmosphere is amazing.

READ MORE: Norwich protest at City Hall as war in Ukraine continues

I am 17 years old and every Friday my Ukrainian friend Amieli and I spend in a restaurant or in a pub. I am so happy to see how people are happy here, how they enjoy their lives. Sometimes I feel kind of jealous.

I miss my country, I still have that feeling sometimes. However, walking around Norwich with my friends makes me feel contrary. I do enjoy it.

A protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine will be held at Norwich City Hall again on Saturday (Image: Archant)

Thank you

I want to say thank you to every British person here who has helped us with everything and for the support. We see it, we feel it. It is important for us.

You make us feel here like at home. Thank you for making us feel comfortable here. Thank you for helping us fight. Thank you very much. 

- Hundreds of people are expected to gather outside City Hall at midday on Saturday to protest against Russia's invasion, with Ukrainian national Natalia Scott, who is living in Sprowston, at the head of the rally.