Kushch Family
From: Mariupol, Donetsk region
Family members: Yurii (77) and Tetiana (77)

Surviving Siege to Finding Peace

Tetiana Kushch fled Mariupol with her daughter and granddaughter on the first day of the war. Her husband Yurii had to remain behind, where he survived in a basement under constant bombardment, without water, electricity, communication, or food during the siege of the city. It wasn’t until May that he was able to reunite with his family in Lviv. Later, they relocated to Kolomyia before finally arriving in Kolonshchyna.

The current state of their home in Mariupol is unknown, as the city remains under occupation with limited communication and access.

“We arrived here in a state of depression because we were left without housing, without anything,” Tetiana recalls. “In Miracle Village, we received everything: a wonderful house with all necessities, medical assistance, psychological support. We make trips to Kyiv to visit theaters and museums. There’s a great community center with a library, dining hall, cinema, exercise equipment, bicycles, and a trampoline. Hairdressing services and our own store. We could only dream of such conditions.”

Both spouses have found purpose in their new community. Yurii volunteers with fire safety, while Tetiana contributes to educational activities. After surviving the siege of Mariupol and experiencing prolonged separation during a traumatic time, the elderly couple has found not only safety but also dignity and community in their new surroundings.