Since escaping the hell of war in Ukraine a year ago, 110,000 refugees have been living in the desperately poor neighboring country. A solidarity of humanity.
The rocket landed like a bolt from the blue on a market in Mykolaijw: dead, wounded, blood, screams and tears. “The pressure of the explosion threw me through a window,” says bomb victim Lena, describing the horror. A guardian angel stood by her, the Ukrainian recalls. Now, almost a year later, the 35-year-old can at least walk on crutches despite serious leg injuries. She is confident, happy would be an exaggeration. Together with her mother, she managed to escape to neighboring Moldavia. Where she can now live – in peace – with a host family.
First life raft for 750,000 war refugees
Though not under such dramatic circumstances, 750,000 Ukrainians flocked to Moldova in fear of death. Worried about being hit by Russian missiles, ambushed and raped by enemy soldiers. For example, the poorest country in Europe became a safe life raft for this first wave of war refugees with Kosovo.
As the anniversary of Putin’s bloody and ruthless attack approaches, 110,000 Ukrainians – practically all women and children – live in the tiny state, which is about the size of Lower and Upper Austria (33,846 square kilometers). But Moldova is not only small. The 2.7 million inhabitants are also extremely poor.
The Corona crisis, the war in Ukraine and the associated explosion in energy prices (plus 300 percent) and inflation of 34 percent made many beggars. In other words, one in four lives below the poverty line with an income of 112 euros per month. “Gasprom has reduced its gas supply to 70 percent in October 2022, to 50 percent in November and to 40 percent so far,” Austrian Ambassador Stella Avallone summarized the energy dilemma.
Wood deliveries to save children from a cold death
Even if a young ministry expert proudly trumpets “We were born in fire” with optimism, many of Moldovan’s furnaces would extinguish the flames without outside help. Because while Putin’s generals are wreaking havoc on the Ukrainians, ‘General Winter’ reigns here in the vastness of Moldova.
And this is exactly where survival aid comes into play. Together with “Neighbours in Need”, Caritas ensures the supply of firewood for the needy. The local inspection “Krone” shows how important this action – which at first glance seems modest – is in the “land of frozen tears”. The poorest Moldovans and solidarity host families who have taken in Ukrainian women and their children are provided: two cubic meters of solid wood per house means protection against frost for a month. The cost of 110 euros for direct delivery would burn the monthly income of an already starving family.
“Yes, we are terribly afraid that Putin will also send his troops here,” Martha expresses her concern. The 32-year-old fled with her children Miroslav (5) and Maria: “48 hours in the car, only with tea in a thermos and trust in God in her luggage.”
“With President Zelensky we will win the war”
If you ask refugee women – including some war widows – about their assessment of the future, they would agree. “We will win! Because with our president Selenskyj we have a crisis manager”, was the general tenor. And the future? There is also realistic hope for this: “By 2024 we could have won the battle for our homeland, provided that Europe, America and other countries support us with arms and ammunition – we are all grateful for that!”
CARITAS donation account “Children in Need”, Erste Bank: IBAN AT23 2011 1000 0123 4560
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
