Living as a Ukrainian refugee in The Liberties

Millions of refugees have been forced to leave their homes and travel far to seek a life away from war, chaos, and unpredictability.

Some people have found refuge in the Liberties area, including Oksana Bondarenko and Uliya Ger, two single mothers who have left Ukraine to seek a better life. Answers given by Bondarenko and Ger are translated from Ukrainian.

Oksana Bondarenko was born in Odessa on the 5 March 1977. She gave birth to her daughter, Krystyna Bondarenko, on the 24 May 2006.

Oksana reflected on her time in Ukraine on the day Russia attacked.

“Like most Ukrainians, on the morning of February 24, 2022, we woke up to the sound of falling bombs. After being unemployed [due to the war], I lived in my city as a volunteer for another two months, helping my country,” she said.

Oksana struggled to withstand the chaos and for the sake of preserving her physical and mental health for herself and her daughter, she decided to leave.

Oksana decided to travel to Ireland as she received a “helping hand” from a familiar friend, Adrian, whom she had met before in Odessa who encouraged them to seek refuge in Ireland.

“He met us at the airport and helped us fill out all the documents. We spent one week with his wonderful parents. Our psychological condition stabilised thanks to their care and attention, for example, we stopped being afraid of airplane sounds.”

With an ardent support system already in place, Adrian introduced Oksana and her daughter to his friend Richard Cook and his wife, actress Pauline McLynn.

“We didn’t know them before and for us, they turned out to be great… that’s how we started living in Phibsborough,” she said.

Nowadays, Oksana goes to work and works towards learning English.

Her daughter is busy with school and other extra-curricular activities.

“My daughter is engaged in volunteering, she teaches Irish dances to Ukrainians, goes to school and [joined] the Dublin youth theatre,” she said.

Her daughter is also a volunteer at Redcross Ireland.  

“I am very grateful to Ireland and the Irish people for their protection and support… we try to be grateful [by volunteering] for example,” she said.

Oksana and her daughter have taken part in local clean-ups surrounding the Grand Canal Dock as one small gesture to show their continued gratitude to Ireland and the community. Oksana and her daughter are not working with any local organisations that support them.

I am very grateful to Ireland and the Irish people for their protection and support

Oksana bondarenko

Uliya Ger was born in Kyiv on 13 July 1989 and fled Ukraine with her 9-year-old son, Tym.

On a tentative mind, she took the initiative to leave Ukraine.

“When we bought the tickets, we only had housing for a month… and we had no further options. I honestly didn’t know what we would do next. But a miracle happened, a local woman found out that I was a photographer and asked me to photograph her family… we talked on set, she asked where I lived and what I planned to do next

“I answered that we only have housing until 15 May 2022, and we may have to return to Ukraine… then, after a few days, she wrote to me that one family is ready to take us. It is fantastic when you don’t ask for help, but you are sincerely helped,” she said.

I honestly didn’t know what we would do next. But a miracle happened

Uliya ger

For the past five months, Uliya and her son have been residing in Dublin 8 with Aideen Collard and her family.

She says she feels welcomed and they feel like they have found a home here.

Uliya and her son are not working with any local organisations that support them.

Not all hope is lost however; her son attends school, and they find support within Ireland as a whole.

“I believe that Ireland has [given] the strongest support of all EU countries. My son goes to school, people are sincere and welcome you everywhere.”

Uliya has worked as a professional wedding and events photographer since 2007, where she has captured many love stories and memories for families.

She continues to support her family through this dedicated work.

Life has been difficult for both of these women.

They are still separated from their homes in Ukraine and their families too.

“…My parents, [and pets] stayed in Ukraine. We miss them very much and sincerely believe that we will see them in the near future,” Uliya said.

Oksana and Uliya highlight the importance of remaining resilient and brave during a time when their home and peace are under threat.

You can find Uliya’s website by clicking here