Refugees stranded – waiting for a new life in Uzhhorod

The stranded people at the train station in Uzhhorod, the capital of Zakarpattia Oblast, have fled the Russian bombs and are waiting for a life with a future in the west of the country – where the war is still 150 miles away.

“In peace. Where children can be children again and everyone can go home,” says Viktor Kachur. As a city representative, he coordinates the arrival of refugees.

A protective eye for the volunteers
Like the “Train of Hope” initiative at Vienna Central Station, the “Strength Ukraine” group cares for people from the war zones. “They get food and hygiene from us and we also arrange transport to Austria,” explains Mariya, who has been volunteering since the first day of the war. “Many women travel back to Kiev. They want to see what’s left of their house,” Father Miroslav Rusin says. He provides various refugee projects with donations in kind to Caritas. The Greek Orthodox priest also keeps an eye on the volunteers and does not forget their stories, which motivate them to help on the spot.

“On the second day of the war, I fled from Dnipro to Uzhhorod. I wanted to go abroad, but now I’m helping. I need more here,” says 30-year-old Julia. But if you ask the pediatric dentist about her family, the young woman can’t hold back her tears. Her relatives stayed behind – hoping for a miracle.

Roses on chairs commemorate the dead
When the train from Kramatorsk rolled into the station on Saturday, there were many empty seats, unlike the previous trips. Why? You were reserved. But of those who died in the attack in the city. Relatives put roses on the chairs. In any case, the flowers have arrived at their destination.