Maryna and Mykhailo live with their three children in a modular settlement for IDPs_

Joint post

Ministry for Restoration, Infrastructure and Transport of Ukraine

Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine

Minregion

Maryna and Mykhailo live with their three children in a modular settlement for IDPs. Mykhailo had acquaintances in Irpin, so they came here. At first, with help from Mykhailo’s brother, they rented an apartment for 2 months. During that time they obtained IDP status, and Mykhailo found a job. Their son Mykhailyk attends a nearby school, and there is a kindergarten for Sofiika.

Their village in the Kakhovka district of Kherson region came under occupation immediately. Maryna did not want to leave, but her husband’s priority was the safety of his family: their young son and his wife, who was pregnant with Sofiika.

In mid-April, Mykhailo’s brother drove their families in a van to relatives in Zakarpattia. Kherson and Kakhovka were nearby. They saw the military equipment coming through. As they travelled, explosions were happening all around.

“Honestly, it was very hard for me. I wanted to be in my own home, my own yard, as I see it. My mother is there. But now it has become easier. I gave birth to Sofiika and Mykytka here. I have made many friends and we share advice.”

Mykhailo himself left in early August 2022. His relatives, five brothers and two sisters, also left their homes with their families: some remain in Ukraine, others are abroad.

“Whatever things are like in Ukraine, we grew up here. I do not want to go anywhere [abroad].”

This is a story about a difficult but vital decision. Find out now about social payments, housing and transport for timely evacuation by calling the 1548 hotline. It will be difficult, but in the end everything will be fine.