‘A tragedy for a generation’ as Ukrainians face ‘Sophie’s choice’
A CORK-BASED law graduate has told of the impossible “Sophie’s Choice” faced by those poised to flee Ukraine for Ireland.
Anzhelika Samuilova has been fielding 50 desperate phone calls and texts a day from traumatised refugees stranded at borders or in underground bomb shelters.
Russian-born Anzhelika teamed up with former UCC classmate Olga Shevchenko volunteering to organise accommodation and work for refugees coming to Ireland.
Through a network of friends, colleagues, and social media they are helping to shepherd at least seven people to Ireland this week.
IMPOSSIBLE
She said: “There is a family of four, on holiday when the war broke out, coming to Dublin this week.
“The mum is just crying. There is also a very young couple coming and they are extremely silent, just completely in shock.
“This is a tragedy for a whole generation.”
It is an impossible choice for many who face saying goodbye to their husband to bring their children to safety, not knowing if they will ever see their partner again.
“I have a friend who has been on the border of Ukraine and Romania for days now with her husband and her kid, who is around 10,” added Anzhelika.
“She just can’t cross the border – not because she’s not allowed to but she can’t leave her husband.
“She knows that she might never see him again. She understands in her mind that she probably needs to do it now to make sure that her kid and herself are safe, but she can’t make herself do that.”
Anzhelika is getting communications from at least 50 people a day, many sheltering underground with their children, hoping to find a way to the border.
She said: “The majority I speak to have left their home but they’re in the city in underground shelters. “Some of them are ready to die.” Any Ukrainians who want to contact Anzhelika and Olga should email asamuilova@timetomove. ie