A Modern Tale From a War-Torn Eastern Europe

Political Chaos  

In the year 2014, as most of you know, Ukraine quite rapidly spun into a volatile and chaotic state. In February President Yanukovych is removed from office after mass protests against his decision to put the cooperation agreement with the EU on ice. This incites a rebellion on the Crimean peninsula in southern Ukraine. All the while I'm in my own little world minding my own business and dreaming of my future as a successful artist. I thought it would be a short affair and never would have imagined in a million years that full out war would come to my calm and beloved little city.

War Breaks Out 

In April 2014 further uprising breaks out, this time in the eastern regions of Ukraine. Separatists are occupying government buildings in a number of cities, including my own town of Luhansk, which proclaims itself as an independent "people's republic". In response the Ukrainian army launches an "anti-terror effort" in order to put down the revolt. Since then over 6 000 people has been killed and hundreds of thousands have been displaced. In July the shelling against the city escalated and claimed a lot of civilian lives. Daily we could hear the terrifying sound of mortars and missiles screaming towards targets nearby. Whose life would be destroyed now? Whose heart would be stricken with grief tonight? Which bed would be empty? I am very fortunate that no one in my family was harmed. And we could of course see the pictures of dismembered civilians in the news. My carefree life and happy dreams had turned into a living nightmare of constant fear and terror. What was a little girl supposed to do?

Fleeing to St. Petersburg

Once I arrived at my uncle, I felt  a massive heaviness leave my soul and I embraced him crying. Months and months of stress and fear were unloaded in one moment. I slept the whole night through without having to be awakened by the sound of war. The period in St Petersburg was great; I could finally concentrate on my art again, with the much needed input from my experienced and knowledgeable uncle. I had been there before, and I said no when I was recommended to go and study at the Sankt Petersburg academy of arts and culture. This was before the war. Because of this I am stuck in Luhansk for a few more years, and there is no way of knowing what will happen. The degree is very important to me.

The future?

I will hopefully stand on the podium and receive my diploma like my older friends, but the future is unknown and anything can happen. 

Thank you Steemit for letting me share about my experiences and hardships!