Ukrainian refugees face their third Christmas away from home in Northern Ireland
- Yana Felos fled Ukraine due to the ongoing war and has lived in Britain for almost three years.
- Following her divorce, she has no plans of returning to Ukraine, prioritizing her daughter's future instead.
- The war's impact on Ukrainian refugees has led to many feeling uncertain about their long-term prospects and futures.
Ukraine continues to experience severe conflict and instability due to ongoing warfare initiated by Russia. The effects of the war have compelled millions of Ukrainians to seek refuge abroad, with Yana Felos among the 6.8 million refugees who have relocated primarily to European countries. After fleeing to Britain and living with a host family, Yana found herself feeling disconnected from her past life in Ukraine. The war has led to significant changes in order and stability, making it increasingly difficult for returnees to adapt back into their pre-war lifestyles, especially concerning educational systems and family dynamics. Post-divorce, Yana has expressed little hope of raising her daughter, Alisa, in a safe Ukraine, instead choosing to focus on building a future in her current homeland. The emotional toll of the war has manifested in various refugee experiences as they adapt to new lives while grieving the losses in their homeland. Many Ukrainians, like Yana, grapple with nostalgia and concerns about family left behind, facing harsh realities such as trauma and sporadic insecurity regarding their immigration status in host countries. The precarious situation of Ukrainian refugees emphasizes a poignant reality; while the war rages on, each month witnessed increasing adaptation among those living abroad, signalling a trend toward permanent displacement. With the continuation of violence manifesting through missile strikes and attacks on energy infrastructure within Ukraine, returning becomes a daunting and risky prospect for many. This dynamic results in a further exodus of cultural ties and national solidarity among those affected by the conflict. As more families remain abroad, the decision to return is often influenced by practical needs such as educational continuity and community support. For some refugees, like Victoria Rybka, the pull of family and a need to support the homeland remains a significant factor for their journeys back. Meanwhile, for others like Yana, personal attachments to the past wane as hopes for a stable future abroad take precedence, leaving a lingering uncertainty about when, or if, they will ever return home.