After Kharkiv: A humanitarian leaves life behind as young family grapple from the impact of the war in Ukraine
The impact of the war in Ukraine on families is incalculable. A United Nations Report releaved that it will be “felt for generations”. Among these families is Andriy Pavlov’s, who works are World Vision’s Area Manager based in Dnipro, Ukraine.
“My family includes my son 14-year-old son Pavlov Yehor and my wife Pavlova Juliana. Yehor and I live in Dnipro, while my wife works in Kyiv”, shares Andriy.
He adds, “We decided to have two options, living in two cities in case finding safe refuge will be necessary. But we visit each other's places regularly”.
Andriy’s sister Irina and son Boris, who was born two weeks before the war started, and his parents Pavel and Nadezhda have left for Norway.
“My father came much later because he had a very hard time with the decision to leave home”, he explains. His aunt Valentina and uncle Igor also left Ukraine for Germany because the latter needed medical treatment, which he could not get in Ukraine after the war started.
Deciding to leave one’s hometown was a tough choice for many Ukrainians caught amid the war. “We left Kharkiv a week when the war started and was safe only in the morning hours. It was a quick and spontaneous.”
He further adds, “My parents and in-laws remained in the city, if was painful for them to leave their homes. I even forgot to take my watch and laptop, besides my documents, I thought only to take another warm jacket and a plaid in case my son would be cold on the road.”
How do you leave a place you spent your whole life with? “I spent my whole life in Kharkiv, and when I left the city, I left my home, my friends and all my past life”, says Andriy. The heartbreak cannot be described in words.
Our attitude in life can change things around us. The children need support, and we must do everything we can to ensure that their lives in Ukraine, despite the tragedy of war, are full and meaningful.
They lived near his parents and Yehor saw them almost every day. Andriy believes it was very important for them to spend time together.
Sadly, he shares, “And now my parents are in Norway, some of my relatives and friends are in Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Israel, Kiev, Odessa. Only a small part of my close people remained in Kharkiv.”
“The most important thing for me right now is that my family is safe. Communication, intimacy, support for each other, family and friends is important to me and my family. The apartments, houses, things are not something to worry about and be sad about”, he adds.
But the thought of losing so much continue to haunt him. “I miss for us to get together and spend time without worrying about safety. We have been scattered all over the world. In Ukraine, it's hard to talk about a safe place”, he shares.
Adriy shared how he missed and treasure his 20 years in Kharkiv even the simple things like going at the sports club with his son.
Instead of dwelling on them, he tries to stay busy and useful for myself and the people around me. He says, “My humanitarian work really helps me and gives me a sense of purpose.”
He worries more about Yehor who had to adjust to another environment in Dnipro, leaving behind his old school, his judo club, his friends and the children around our neighborhood. “The war and displacement deprived him of all these. I worry that I cannot give him a full life now”, he adds.
Andriy is resolute in his commitment not to give up, no matter what happens. As a humanitarian, his focus is on what can be done to help those in need.
“Our attitude in life can change things around us. The children need support, and we must do everything we can to ensure that their lives in Ukraine, despite the tragedy of war, are full and meaningful.”
WATCH: Ukraine's empty classrooms
By Andriy Pavlov, Dnipro Area Manager