Viktoriia and Evelina
Country of Origin: Ukraine
Photographed: Slovakia, 2023
“I left Ukraine when I was 17 years old. It was very hard; I literally didn’t see my family for the first 4 months. Everything was new: the language, culture, people, rules. But I was lucky enough to not feel lonely because I met my best friend there, Evelina. Now I’m in France, and I haven’t seen my family and friends for half a year now which is very sad. But I guess I must get used to it because in the future I don't plan to stop traveling. But I do miss my old school and my mom's food sometimes.”
~ Viktoriia
What was it like when you left Ukraine?
It was such a horrible feeling without knowing what will be with me, my family, my country. I felt lots of feelings in the moment when the war started, but mostly fear and anger. Also, I was so scared.
What are your plans for the future?
In the future, I'd like to return to Ukraine, to work there, spend time with my mum and to feel safe.
What do you miss most?
Mostly I miss my life before the war and my stepfather, who died in that war, but I understand, that life will never be the same and I should do some other stuff in that life, even if that is so hard and without meaning.