Fatshimetrie — The harrowing story of Ukrainian mother Yana Felos, who arrives in London with a suitcase containing mostly children’s clothes and her young daughter. She fled Russia’s full-scale invasion to seek refuge in the UK in April 2022. Left with no friends, no family and no community, she had to start her life from scratch. Originally from a Russian-speaking region in eastern Ukraine, the war destroyed what was left of her community. Her grandmother had temporarily moved to Belarus before the war, then stayed when the invasion began. Her parents had passed away years ago. Some of her friends had also switched to pro-Russian political paths, leaving Yana with no connection to Ukraine.
Her last connection to Ukraine was her husband, but he was unable to leave the country and after being abroad for so long, they recently finalized their divorce. Despite her husband’s hopes that the war would end, Yana has long since given up on the idea that Ukraine could ever be safe enough to raise a family.
Two years after arriving in London, Yana finds herself among 6.8 million Ukrainian refugees living abroad, mostly in Europe, with their futures in limbo. Every day, she realises the consequences if the British government does not renew her refugee visa in 2025, without a back-up plan.
Despite these challenges, Yana has managed to build a new life in London. She has found her own flat and a job as an English teacher at a lifelong learning centre. Having decided not to return to Ukraine after her divorce, she is now focused on giving her six-year-old daughter Alisa a brighter future.
Faced with fragmented communities and economic struggles in Ukraine, the government is seeking to encourage refugees, mostly women and children, to return. A Ministry of National Unity has been created to implement programs and incentives to encourage the return of Ukrainians living abroad.
Yet many obstacles remain. The precarious economic situation and brain drain raise concerns about Ukraine’s future. Each additional month of war means more adjustment for Ukrainians abroad and more destruction at home, reducing the chances of return.
As the fighting continues, pressure for a diplomatic solution grows. Russia continues to bomb energy infrastructure and residential areas in Ukraine, while the country suffers a wave of ballistic missile and drone attacks.
Despite these challenges, Yana and her daughter Alisa cling to their life in London, seeking to rebuild a better future away from the horrors of war in Ukraine.Their story illustrates the difficult daily lives of millions of Ukrainian refugees scattered across the world, waiting for a safer and more peaceful future.