Elderly couple flees occupied Mariupol for a new life in Canada

In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine due to Russia's invasion, Mariupol has become a focal point of hardship for its residents. Following a brutal two-month assault in the spring of 2022, much of the city was left in ruins, prompting many civilians to seek refuge elsewhere. Iryna and Oleg, along with others from the city, endeavored to survive the intense conditions during the early stages of the invasion, where they reported instances of both Russian military aggression and hostile interactions with Ukrainian soldiers, leading to deep frustrations. The couple's experience reflects a broader human struggle for safety and normalcy amidst devastating war. Iryna recounted their desperate attempts to protect civilians while under constant threat from attacking forces. When they finally decided to leave Mariupol after a summer spent in the occupied city, it became apparent that both local and foreign bureaucratic constraints awaited them at the borders they sought to cross. A particularly striking moment was Iryna's encounter with a border officer in Moscow, who coldly stated that if she had chosen to move to Canada, she should never return to Russia. This clearly demonstrates the emotional toll and fallout from political conflicts on individuals and families. Furthermore, while Iryna's grandmother remained in Mariupol believing her husband had survived, her family scattered around Europe highlighted the complexity of returning home when that home is a war zone. Maria, their granddaughter, expressed her concern that people who stay in Mariupol may not fully grasp the risks associated with living under Russian occupation, which deviates from the experiences she has come to understand living in Canada. Given the drastic and somber reality of life in a war-torn area, the decision to leave and start anew remains fraught with both uncertainty and hope.