A Ukrainian family fleeing full-scale assault from Russian forces in their home town have praised generous locals who helped turn their Balfron base into a home.
Olha Toporkova headed to Scotland with 15-year-old daughter Daryna and nine-year-old son Dmytro in July last year after being forced to flee for their life in Vovchansk, near Kharkiv – just six kilometres from the Russian border.
The family escaped the rocket attacks and violence in April and began their journey to Scotland, where they eventually secured a visa and were put up in the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ programme.
Their first base in Stirling was at the Killin Hotel, before moving on to a sponsor family in Kippen a month later.
They lived there for four months, before being given the chance to rent their own property in Balfron – convenient for Daryna as she completes her studies at Balfron High.
However, with the flat coming completely unfurnished, Olha issued a desperate appeal for help – and the Stirling community rallied to her aid, offering all sorts of household items to help her and her kids settle into their new home.
Olha said: “On the very first day of the war – February 24, 2022 – our city was in complete occupation.
“All bridges were blown up, there were active hostilities between Vovchansk and Kharkiv. My family went through many hardships during the occupation. Before the war, I worked in the Vovchansk Town Council, and my husband and I were current deputies.
“During the occupation, my husband had the courage to raise the Ukrainian flag on the main square and carry out resistance against the invaders, as a result of which our family was subjected to repression and violence.
“We hid our children for 40 days and hid ourselves from being hunted by the Russians. Thanks to the help of friends and the desire to live in an independent Ukraine, we got through the front line to unoccupied territory at the end of April.
“After the ordeals he endured, my husband became the applicant for the prosecution in the international tribunal for war crimes committed by the Russian occupiers.
“We liked to live with sponsors, but we planned to live on our own anyway, and I think that luck did not turn away from us.
“Since my daughter is studying in Balfron High School, we wanted to find accommodation in this area. From the first viewing – we found a flat, for which we are very grateful to the landlord, who happily rented it to us.
“What do I feel? This is probably beyond words, I am grateful to everyone and everyone who has been a participant in my amazing story.
“Since the flat was unfurnished, I decided to write a post on Kippen’s Facebook page. There was no limit to my delight and tears of joy – from the number of likes, reposts and offers. The Scots are the most amazing, kind and helpful people in the world for me. People, starting from dishes, furniture and ending with bedding, completely provided for my family, for which I bow to everyone.”
The family are now looking ahead to a possible future with they can be reunited before the day that they can return to Ukraine with the end of hostilities.
Olha continued: “Before the war, I lived according to a plan, we built a new house, dreamed of something, and in one moment all of our plans collapsed. Now we are learning to live and to enjoy every day, to have new experiences, from learning English, meeting new people, the nature and weather.
“But I have one big hope – to reunite the family.
“My husband wanted to defend his homeland, but after suffering injuries, he was dismissed by the military so he can travel.
“He successfully applied for a visa in the summer, but we are still waiting for a letter of permission to enter Scotland, which has not yet arrived, so we believe and hope that soon the children will see their dad, and I will see my husband.
“My biggest dream is to live as a full-fledged family under a clear, peaceful sky in love and harmony and to find myself wherever I am.”
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