A Dublin-based Ukrainian refugee says the conflict in her home country 'keeps her awake' at night ahead of the war's one year anniversary.
Oleksandra was brought to Dublin by The Salvation Army in March last year, alongside her mother. The two trekked over 30 hours from their hometown in Dnipro to the Polish border after the war broke out.
While the two found a safe haven in Dublin, Oleksandra's thoughts remain with those left behind. She says her family and friends in Dnipro no longer go to bomb shelters, as the conflict is now synonymous with daily life back home.
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She said: "War is part of their lives now. Physically, they are all fine, they have not been hurt, thank God, but in mid-January, there was a massive attack on my city when Russia bombed a house 15 minutes from where I live."
She also revealed guilt at sharing details of her life with family and friends in Ukraine, who are in a much more precarious situation. She remains hopeful that Ukraine will finally triumph over Russia and end the conflict.
Oleksandra, who now works full time at the Salvation Army Cafe on Kings Inns Street, has settled into her new life in Dublin. She will take part in an event marking the war's first anniversary this Friday outside the GPO.
The charity came to Oleksandra's aid following her previous involvement with the group. She had volunteered with the Salvation Army three years before the war and coincidentally spent time helping at their homeless shelters in Dublin.
She keeps an eye out on what is happening in Ukraine via a real-time app, which shares information on emergency sirens. Although returning to Ukraine is not currently in the realm of possibility for Oleksandra, she would like to visit when the war ends.
Fighting for Europe: One Year of Russian War Against Ukraine will take place this Friday at 2pm outside the GPO. The vigil will feature several speakers, including Labour leader Ivana Bacik.
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