Ukrainian refugee 'absolutely happy' to be returning home for Christmas
Anastasiia Kvasha, who is currently living in Insh near Kingussie, is returning to Kiev for the holidays.
Last updated 18th Dec 2023
A woman who is currently living in the Cairngorms says she's "absolutely happy" to be going home to war-torn Ukraine for Christmas.
Anastasiia Kvasha has been living in the village of Insh for nearly two years and although she has settled well, she's desperate to see relatives in Kiev.
When asked whether she's apprehensive about returning to the conflict for the holidays, she says she feels just as nervous every day here wondering how her family are.
'Every day we're waiting for news about my brother'
The 36-year-old, who worked as a HR manager in Ukraine, fled the country when war broke out in February last year.
After initially going to Montenegro, Anastasiia came to the Highland village of Insh.
Anastasiia explained how her brother is currently fighting with the Ukrainian army and how her parents were recently affected by the war.
She said: "My brother is fighting now and he is in the most hot (dangerous) area of Ukraine.
"Every day we're waiting to hear some news about him.
"I have my sister in-law with me here, she lives about 15 minutes away.
"We're quite happy because we can support each other.
"There was a bomb around 20 minutes away from my house.
"It's hard, but we get used to it. It's sad, but then you just need to move on because tomorrow will be tomorrow. "
Although the Russia-Ukraine war rages on, Anastasiia isn't worried about going back,
She added: "I'm not nervous because my parents are there and everyday I'm as nervous here as I would be there.
"It's absolutely ok for me.
"I'm absolutely happy to go at this time.
"My father is always worried about this.
"When we have some bomb in Ukraine he is always saying 'let them do it now before you come home for visit.'"
Insh 'like a second home'
After moving to Scotland in May 2022 and initially struggling to understand Scottish accents, Anastasiia is now settled.
She soon picked up work at a local pub and hotel and is now studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).
Although she wants to return to Ukraine permanently one day, she's currently more than happy living in the Highlands.
"It's like second home for me now.
"I'm studying, working, I have everything that I need here."
Anastasiia is "part of the family"
After seeing the images of the war in Ukraine in 2022, Willie Anderson and his wife Mary wanted to help out.
With a spare rental property available, they decided to offer this out to those wishing to flee the country.
Contact was initially made through Facebook and once the house was checked over by the relevant authorities, Anastasiia moved in 10 days after initially meeting Willie and Mary online.
Willie explained why they were desperate to offer their help.
He said: "We've got our own kids and you'd like to think if the roles were reversed then someone would help.
"We've been friends for two years now and Anastasiia is part of the family."
Although he's happy Anastasiia will see her family for the first time in months, Willie admits he is apprehensive.
He added: "It's a worry for us, but we'll keep in touch with social media.
"Even a daily text would be fine."
Over the weekend, reports have emerged Ukraine and Russia have launched more than a dozen drones at each other's territory.
A Ukrainian civilian was reportedly killed after drone debris slammed into his house near the Black Sea.
Anastasiia admits she doesn't see an end to the conflict any time soon.
She said: "Maybe it's getting worse.
"They may have started by attacking some places, but now they are attacking all places.
"As my brother is there now, I am following all the news about this."
Film award nomination
Willie and Anastasiia both feature in a film by the Scottish Refugee Council which has been nominated for the Charity Film Awards.
Anastasiia admits it was a nice "surprise" to see the recognition and feels it's important to raise awareness on what is still happening in her homeland.
She said: "It's good to remind people about Ukraine and maybe our video will help with this."