Ukrainian Families' Struggle in Exile

0:00In Adelaide today, March 1st. Four years into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many residents fled occupied cities like Maryupal, leaving family behind under harsh control. Irina escaped the besieged port city on the Sea of Azav with her teenage son, driving through dangerous roads to safety in Ireland. Her sister stayed, one of thousands forced to adapt to life there. In another case, Dasha left Novakokovka near Kerson with her two young children after early chaos in Looting. They found refuge in Finland, where she now runs a beauty salon in their own home. Both cities suffered massive destruction, with Marupal seeing thousands of buildings level during an 85-day siege. These families stayed connected through daily calls, but surveillance makes talks risky and loved ones dodge questions about the ruins. Irina's sister got a Russian passport just to claim her pension while hiding the grim views from her intact home amid total devastation nearby. Irina battles trauma from explosions, and now startles at fireworks, though her son

1:02nears high school graduation, and she finished law training. Dasha misses her father and friends, especially after the area's dam burst flooded vast lands last year, displacing over 100,000 people. About 6 million Ukrainian refugees live across Europe under temporary protection, building new routines amid uncertainty. They push through grief with work, friends, and positivity, but worry minds and shells could bar any return home, even if peace comes. D&N is sponsored by our partner. Check out the episode description. If sleep podcasts are your thing, this is your pillow, built for comfort and calm, O-L-I-I-SOLY-PILLOW.com.