Refugees welcomed in Buckinghamshire amid ongoing Ukrainian conflict
Ukrainian women Olga and Elena, with their children, receive warm welcome in Buckinghamshire
As the conflict in Ukraine enters its third year, the plight of refugees continues to draw attention worldwide.
Among those affected are sisters Olga and Elena, who, along with their seven children, fled their home country out of fear for their lives.
Arriving in the United Kingdom nearly two years ago, the journey for Olga and Elena was fraught with challenges. "When we started war, we went to Poland, and then I went to France, and from there, we went to England," Olga recounted.
"When we arrived in England, we had a terrible journey. Of course, we had terrible emotions, but the people here were very kind, and they remain very kind."
The community of Emberton in Buckinghamshire has rallied around the sisters and their children, offering support since their arrival.
They were taken in on their arrival by local woman Maddi Forrester, who said " it just felt like something that I had to do."
However, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to weigh heavily on Olga and Elena's minds.
"Now we are OK, but every time we read bad news, we watch videos from Ukraine, and we know a lot of people who are in the Ukrainian army, and of course, we're scared," Elena expressed.
Their fears were exacerbated by a recent loss. "Four months ago, we lost our cousin in Ukraine. She was a volunteer and a medical volunteer," Olga revealed.
Despite the challenges they face and the ongoing turmoil in their homeland, Olga and Elena express gratitude for the welcome they've found in Buckinghamshire and the support of their newfound community.