From the first days of the full-scale Russian invasion into Ukraine, Lesya Ukrainka Ukrainka Volyn National University’s representatives have been actively struggling against the occupiers. Lecturers, students, employees of the educational institution are engaged in volunteering, territorial defence or serve in the Armed Forces.
The University’s foreign student representatives are not exclusion. They are concerned about the situation in Ukraine, await the victory of the Ukrainian people and, by virtue of their capabilities, contribute by helping Ukrainians. We talked to foreign students who were forced to leave Lutsk for a while and full-time University studies.
Foreigners shared their feelings of the moment they left Lutsk, Ukraine and what they are doing abroad now.
«There are a few dates that a person never forgets. For me, and I’m sure for many of you, February 24th has become one of those dates. The United States Embassy had been warning Americans for a month that we should leave Ukraine, but it all seemed like such a distant possibility. My thoughts were something like this, “This is the 21st century after all. Surely this will be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.” We now know how quickly those thoughts can change. When there were explosions at the airport near Lutsk that morning, it was clear that the time to leave was now. I, along with three other Americans in Lutsk, quickly tried to pack our most necessary belongings, called a driver we knew, and headed toward the border. The embassy had advised that it would be best to cross at Shehyni/Medyka because there was a United States welcome center set up there. Our driver got us as close to the border as he could before there were too many cars blocking the way. We got out of the car about 6,5 kilometers from the border and began to walk, reaching the line at the border about 17:00. While standing there, I had a lot of time to meet people around me, to hear their stories, to try to understand the feelings they must be having. It was very hard for me to leave my home for the last three years, so I understood that it was many times more difficult for those who were leaving the only home they had ever known. They didn’t know when or if they would be able to return to their home country. They didn’t know if their home would still be standing when they returned. With every person I talked to, my heart broke a little bit more.
In addition to meeting people while in line, I reflected on the last three years, thought of the many people I had come to love, the kindness of Ukrainians toward me, the way I had grown in my understanding of the wonderful Ukrainian people and culture. It was also at this time that I understood how hard it was for me to leave. I felt like a traitor, a coward, a deserter, but for reasons that were beyond my control, it was necessary. There was lots of time to consider this as we stood in line for nearly 15 hours. The emotional roller coaster of those hours is still with me almost a month later.
I was able to keep from crying until we were in Poland and driving to some friends that had offered us a place to stay. Somehow, everything hit me all at once, and I just sat there and cried. Since that time, I’ve tried to do what I can to help refugees in Poland. I can’t do much, but if nothing else, maybe I can show to someone that this world isn’t defined by the monsters like Putin that exist, but it’s defined by people that care and are kind. I felt that care and kindness for three years in Ukraine, and it’s a small thing to show it now in return.
The world is learning things about Ukraine that I have understood now for quite some time. Ukrainians are a strong, brave, courageous people that love freedom. They will fight for that freedom. They will not allow a bully to dictate their future. I love Ukraine, I love Ukrainians, and I will do what I can to stand with you and to show that. I count the days until I can return. Слава Україні!»
Daniel WAISKAP, USA
«Hello, my name is Diallo Amadou. I’m a student from Senegal and studying Tourism in a Master's programme at Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University in Lutsk.
On February 24th Russia invaded Ukraine. We were awakened by explosions. I never imagined that in the 21st century such a thing will happen, especially at the doorstep of Europe.
At first, I thought it was just an accident, or car flat the tire. So, I called some friends to get more information on the situation. I was shocked to hear that Ukraine was attacked.
It was a difficult time and martial law was decreed in Ukraine. Banks, supermarkets and pharmacies were full of people. There was general panic.
I wasn’t too worried at first since Lutsk was quiet and safe compared to other cities in Ukraine. But my parents were very, very worried. They called me several times a day because they watch the news on TV. The situation was getting worse every day.
Finally, I decided to leave like all foreigners in Ukraine. I went to Lviv and took the train to Hungary where I was assisted by the red cross for a few days because I had to pay for the hotel afterwards. I wanted to go to the Embassy of Senegal in Poland but there were a lot of people at the border and it takes 2-3 days to cross the border. A friend advised me to go through Slovakia or Hungary. An acquaintance in Germany asked me to come (she is Ukrainian) to the Ukrainian family who lives in Dortmund. I thank her very much and I am grateful for helping me.
I hope the war will end soon and I will go back to Ukraine because I have many friends there, they are like my family, my second country. Glory to Ukraine!»
Diallo Amadou, Senegal
