Refugee who fled from war-torn Kramatorsk in Ukraine considers Chisinau a city of kindness after a warm welcome

“In 2014, when the war started, I decided to stay in Kramatorsk, hoping the war would end soon. I had been hoping it would never happen again, but on February 2024 I lost all hope,” recalls Ivetta, a 71-year-old refugee from Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, her voice filled with sorrow.

Two years have passed since Ivetta left the home she clung to until the last minute, praying for peace. Kramatorsk, a crucial city near the frontline, saw people directly affected by the wars in 2014 and 2022.

The final straw for Ivetta was the horrific attack on Kramatorsk’s railway station on April 8, 2022, where dozens were killed and over a hundred injured.

“I had gotten used to hearing explosions near the city, seeing war aircraft in the sky, and encountering soldiers on the streets, but I lost hope after the massacre on that day,” Ivetta shares, her voice trembling at the memory.

Living alone, Ivetta reached out to her friend, and the two women fled Kramatorsk together on April 11, 2022. They were evacuated to Uzhhorod, but the city, overwhelmed by the displaced and struggling with a lack of accommodation and food, could not be a permanent refuge.

"Chisinau is a city of kindness; everyone is willing to help you. The family has accommodated many refugees like me and shared everything with us. They have become not just friends but are my family now."

Uzhhorod, located near the borders with Slovakia and Hungary, was inundated with thousands of Ukrainians fleeing the war. A few days after Ivetta arrived at the Criva-Mamaliga customs point, a Moldovan family there took her in.

This family from Chisinau drove nearly four hours to the border to help elderly people in need, offering them accommodation and food. Since then, Ivetta has been living with them.

“Chisinau is a city of kindness; everyone is willing to help you. The family has accommodated many refugees like me and shared everything with us. They have become not just friends but are my family now,” Ivetta recalls gratefully.

Ivetta’s friend returned to Ukraine to assist her daughter, leaving her with new-found family. Despite struggles with her leg, often losing sensation and making walking difficult, they supported her, even paying for medical tests and medicines.

“The money they received from the cash assistance program was spent on my treatment. If they hadn’t helped me, I wouldn’t stand here today,” Ivetta adds.

The Moldovan family is supported by World Vision’s cash program with support from the World Food Programme (WFP) to help cover expenses hosting refugees in their homes.

Story and photos by Communications Officer Pavel Iorga