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The conflict in Ukraine is now nearing its fifth year, marked by a halt in peace negotiations and a series of Russian assaults on critical energy infrastructure amid an especially harsh winter. Recent talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States ended without any clear progress, and uncertainty surrounds when these discussions might resume. During the two-day meeting, Ukrainian cities suffered repeated Russian air strikes that severely damaged power supplies, leaving millions without electricity or heating as freezing temperatures have persisted for weeks.
Many Ukrainian refugees who have found safety in the UK face uncertainty about their future, especially regarding what would happen if the conflict were to end. Svitlana Savinova, an engineer before relocating, is one of over 29,000 Ukrainians who arrived in Scotland since 2022, part of the larger figure of 310,000 across the UK. Originally from Izyum, a town overtaken by Russian forces during the invasion in March 2022, she describes how the war has devastated her hometown. “My town is completely destroyed. Before the war, there was a population of 40,000. Now it’s about 20,000,” she explains, painting a bleak picture of a once peaceful and green area now turned into a military hub near the frontlines.
Since arriving in Elgin, Scotland, Svitlana and her family have been striving to rebuild their lives. She completed an HNC engineering course at the University of the Highlands and Islands Moray and appreciates the opportunity to continue her education. Her daughter Maria, now 14, has gained fluency in English and joined the local junior pipe band as a drummer. For Svitlana, Scotland represents her family’s new home, a place where her child is safe and happy despite the heartbreak of losing their previous life. She says, “My land is inside my heart, but for all my life I will be so grateful to Scotland and the UK for this opportunity to live here peacefully in Elgin.”
Another refugee, Alex Sivko, who previously worked as a PE teacher and in security in Ukraine, also settled in Elgin with his family after participating in the Battle of Kyiv. While he treasures memories of pre-war life filled with cultural outings alongside his wife, the outbreak of war drastically altered their circumstances. After fighting during the first months, Alex was allowed to leave Ukraine due to having three young children, including a newborn. Adjusting to life in Scotland has presented challenges such as learning a new language, but he now works with Forestry and Land Scotland. He acknowledges Scotland as a place of comfort and happiness but remains open to the possibility of returning to Ukraine should peace be restored, tempered by concerns over security given ongoing tensions with Russia. Both Alex and Svitlana, alongside millions of displaced Ukrainians, are faced with complex decisions about their futures amidst the war’s uncertainty
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