Zlata was about to start a new job in a production company in Kiev but it has been postponed indefinitely. The war put an end to her plans. She managed to escape Ukraine and is now looking for a job in Poland. She hopes to make a living as a photographer, but would be happy for any job. She wants to financially support her family, who have remained in Ukraine and are hiding from the attacks.
A new job is postponed
Zlata is a young photographer from Kiev. We met her on 29 February 2022 at the Budomierz border crossing in Poland, where she shared her story with us.
On Wednesday, 23rd February, she had visited her parents in Chernihiv and was returning from her hometown with a feeling of anxiety that she could not explain. The following week she was due to start a new job at a production company. However, this was postponed indefinitely, Russia attacked the country and war broke out in Ukraine.
The first explosion
On Thursday, 24th February, Zlata was woken up by an explosion at five in the morning. She reached for her mobile phone and searched the internet to find out what had happened, but found nothing. It was only a few moments later that she received a message from a friend saying that the war had started. At that moment everything collapsed and she was worried especially for her family, who were even closer to the war in Chernihiv.
When Zlata looked out the window another half hour later, a convoy of cars was heading out of Kiev. People knew the war had started and were leaving the city.
Zlata got a call from her brother to quickly pack her things and meet him at the biggest station in Kiev. There they took shelter and then headed towards Poland. Their family stayed in Chernihiv, where they hid from the war in shelters.
A new beginning in Poland
With her brother, Zlata made it to Poland, where she plans to stay with friends for a while and find work. If she is lucky, she will work as a photographer. But any job is important to her - she wants to support her family left behind in Ukraine and the Ukrainian army fighting for her country.
Of the current situation, Zlata says: "We have to help each other in this terrible situation. The photos and videos on social media don't lie and show that the war is really happening. It's a tragedy and we have to stop it."
Support people on the run and those who remain in a country where war is being fought.