Fear for loved ones in war-torn country
I was just hoping, like every other it Ukrainian, that wouldn’t eventuate
TOWNSVILLE’S Ukrainian community is awaiting news from the war’s frontline with bated breath as reports of bombings and military strikes continue.
Karyna Hansen, who moved from the Ukraine to Townsville 10 years ago, said she hadn’t heard from her family in her homeland since the conflict began.
“We spoke (on Thursday). It was very hectic of course, they were trying to pack everything up and get to a safer place,” Ms Hansen said.
“I have a lot of friends in
Kyiv who are doing it really tough at the moment.
“I’ve been following on with a lot of the news, I’ve been looking through Telegram channels and accessing official Ukrainian news.
“I can’t really work or do anything right now, it’s all so distressing.”
Ms Hansen, who studied at James Cook University and now lives and works in Townsville, said that the anxiety of not knowing what was happening had worn on her mentally.
“To be honest, I’ve never dealt with something like this before,” Ms Hansen said.
“This kind of anxiety and fear – you don’t normally wake up every day knowing that your home country and your family are under attack.”
Ms Hansen said the immediate reaction following the declaration of war by Russian President Vladimir Putin (pictured) was one of shock.
“There’s a lot of fear and not knowing what could happen. Everyone’s in complete disbelief,” Ms Hansen said.
“We were all hoping it was
just idle threats, now there have been at least 137 casualties. These are innocent sons and fathers. We’re just in a total state of disbelief.” Ms Hansen said she was driving when the first international reports of war came to light. “I only realised when I started getting messages from friends telling me they were thinking of me and my family,” she said. “I instantly had tears in my eyes. I tried to call them. I was just hoping, like every other
Ukrainian, that it wouldn’t eventuate. Even though the civilians are afraid of the unknown … Ukrainians are courageous, strong and fearless when it comes to defending what is ours.”
She also said that she believes the effects of the conflict will be felt close to her current home.
“I do pray, and that gives me some peace of mind and hope that everything will resolve,” Ms Hansen said.
“We do have a lot of Russian-speaking people here in Townsville, and it will affect Australia and the local communities,” she added.