140,000 individuals have fled from the Ukrainian army’s offensive. In Kursk, refugees are lining up for mattresses and medicine, while sirens sound every hour. “Presse” correspondent Inna Hartwich reports from Kursk.
Every evening, they gather here, sitting in black armchairs by the entrance of the brightly colored brick building, with trees swaying in the wind beside them and children playing in front of them. Lyubov and Yelena recline back and sometimes laugh so heartily that their gold teeth sparkle. “Here, we lift each other’s spirits,” says 69-year-old Yelena. “But as soon as I return to the room, sadness overwhelms me. I remember the blasts, the escape, and the animals we left behind. It’s all terrible.” Lyubov gazes at the ground. “I sleep very little; I hear the drones and flinch at every siren. I prefer to be here, with people I barely knew just days ago but who now feel like family,” says the 68-year-old.
“I can hardly sleep, I hear the drones.” Yelena and Lyubov fled the Ukrainian offensive. Hartwich
Lyubov and Elena, from Sudzha, which is just nine kilometers from the Ukrainian border, are refugees in their own country. They have been accommodated in the student dormitory of the Agrarian University in Kursk. Elena shares a room with her son and grandson, while Lyubov is with two individuals she did not know just a few days prior. They receive three meals a day and have shelter. “We get enough attention here. But back home, our government didn’t care about us. We are nobody to them; we were simply abandoned for days,” laments Lyubov, anxiously adding, “The new semester is starting soon. Where will they put us when the students return to their rooms? No one is telling us.”
140,000 people are on the run
140,000 people have sought safety from the Ukrainian army’s offensive. In Kursk, refugees are queuing for mattresses and medicine. Sirens are blaring every hour. “Presse” correspondent Inna Hartwich reports from Kursk.
They come here every evening, sitting on the black armchairs in front of the entrance door of the bright brick building. The trees next to them sway gently in the wind, while children play nearby. Lyubov and Yelena lean back, occasionally breaking into laughter, revealing their glimmering gold teeth. “Out here, we cheer each other up,” shares 69-year-old Yelena. “As soon as I’m back in the room, the sadness sets in. The memory of the impacts, of the escape, the animals left behind. It’s all horrible.” Lyubov, 68, glances at the floor, her voice trembling. “I can hardly sleep; I hear the drones and flinch at every siren. I prefer to be here, surrounded by these people I didn’t know just days ago, but who have now become like family.”
“I can hardly sleep, I hear the drones.” Yelena and Lyubov fled the Ukrainian offensive. Hartwich
Lyubov and Elena have fled from Sudzha, a village just nine kilometers from the Ukrainian border. They now find refuge in the student dormitory of the Agrarian University in Kursk. Elena shares a room with her son and grandson, while Lyubov now lives with two unfamiliar people. They are provided with three meals a day and a roof over their heads. “We get enough attention here. But back home, our state didn’t give a damn about us. We were left to our fate for days,” lamented Lyubov, anxiety etched on her face. “The new semester is starting soon. Where will we go when the students move into their rooms? Nobody tells us.”
140,000 People Are on the Run
The devastating impact of the ongoing conflict has displaced approximately 140,000 people. These refugees are facing immense uncertainty as they seek shelter from the violence surrounding them. Communities like Kursk are stepping up, trying to support these individuals, yet the situation remains critical and evolving.
Urgent Needs of Refugees
Refugees arriving in Kursk have essential needs. In their new environment, they must grapple with not only physical safety but emotional turmoil. The urgent needs include:
- Housing: With many being forced from their homes, stable accommodations are critical.
- Food and Medicine: Nutritional support and medical supplies are urgent priorities to ensure well-being.
- Mental Health Support: The psychological impact of fleeing one’s home necessitates mental health resources and community support.
Challenges of Refugee Life
The day-to-day challenges faced by refugees are monumental. For Lyubov and Yelena, every day brings a new set of uncertainties:
Living Conditions
The dormitory may provide some comfort, but the fear of returning home remains. With the new academic year fast approaching, the looming questions about their future housing add to the stress they face.
Emotional Toll
Many refugees experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. Constant reminders of their trauma—such as sirens—can trigger distressing memories. The need for emotional resilience is critical.
Social Isolation
While some refugees find comfort in community, others struggle with feelings of isolation. Starting anew in a foreign environment can be daunting, particularly for the elderly and families with young children. Building bonds within this temporary community is essential for emotional support.
Refugee Assistance Programs
Several organizations within Kursk and neighboring regions are mobilizing resources to assist refugees. Here’s a glimpse of the assistance available:
| Organization Name | Services Offered |
|---|---|
| Mercy Corps | Provides food, hygiene items, and other essentials. |
| International Rescue Committee | Support for housing, job placement, and mental health. |
| Lifeline Ukraine | Coordinates immediate assistance and long-term recovery plans. |
Personal Stories: Strength Amidst Adversity
The resilience of the refugees in Kursk shines through their personal stories. Many claim that the friendships forged in adversity provide a sense of hope and warmth amidst despair.
Lyubov speaks of moments of joy despite the dire circumstances: “We share meals, stories, and laughter. These people understand me, like no one else can. We were all forced to leave behind our lives, but here, we can find a new sense of normal.” The power of kinship in their shared experiences continues to help them cope with ongoing challenges.
How to Help Refugees
For those looking to support Ukrainian refugees in Kursk, there are numerous ways to help:
- Donation Drives: Contributing to local organizations can provide immediate relief.
- Volunteering: Your time can make a significant difference in aiding refugees.
- Aware-ness Campaigns: Raising awareness about their plight can encourage more support.
By joining forces as a community, we can create a network of support for those affected by conflict. Every effort counts in rebuilding lives and providing hope to those in need.
