This is the touching story of new beginnings: In March, Ukrainian Nataliia Stryzhko and her seven-year-old son fled Putin’s bombs to Austria. On the national holiday, some of her photos can now be seen in the Federal Chancellery. In between lie ill-fated months and a spectacular rescue operation…
Stryzhko calls her series of paintings “Flowering Landscapes”. Oil paintings made in the pre-war heyday of Ukraine. Art connoisseurs may judge the quality of the works, but the background story is fascinating to read: In March, the well-known Ukrainian artist – one of her paintings hangs in the presidential palace in Kiev (see below) – fled to the West with her son and ended up eventually in the 10,000 soul community of Groß-Enzersdorf (Lower Austria). SPÖ councilor Robert Nepp takes in the two war refugees and a friendship develops. Still, the 43-year-old is concerned. For their homeland, their family and friends. And her paintings, which she had to leave behind in the war quarrel.
Photos brought to Austria
Concern over the photos now raises another Groß-Enzersdorf councilor: Michael Takacs, until recently the government’s refugee coordinator and now the director of the federal police. Crossing party lines – Takacs is on the city council for the ÖVP – the two friends embark on a spectacular rescue operation to bring the photos to Austria.
Successfully! The collection was packed in a car and transported via Slovakia – with local support and by the two city councils – to Vienna. Some of the photos can be admired on the national holiday at the open day in the Federal Chancellery. Then they are sold by the artist. Seed capital for a new life in Austria – because Stryzhko is very reluctant to live at the expense of the state.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
