Marta, 24 years, Bucha
Introduction
1. How are you?
I‘m good, but I really miss and worry about my family and friends in Ukraine.
2. When have you been in Ukraine for the last time?
I visited Ukraine in December 2023 and spent new year’s there.
3. In which part/city of Ukraine did you live?
I lived in Bucha (outskirts of Kyiv).
4. When did you leave Ukraine?
I left on the third day of the war.
Main part
1. Apart from the obvious problems, which less thought about struggles are there?
Different problems regarding the supply of homes (ex. water) and also work life doesnˋt function like normal. Also the schools mostly work with online teaching, which is difficult for the children, who are already stressed about the general situations.
2. We have thought about water supply, waste disposal & electricity. How was it before, how is it now and how could it develop?
Before the war there were no problems regarding water and electricity. We had good functioning systems for that. Waste disposal was not the best before the war, but has certainly gotten way worse during the war. During the winter months there were often blackouts. That means the people could not heat their homes and also had difficulties when it came to cooking. On top of that the water supply during this time was not reliable either. Thankfully this is stabilising now.
3. If you compare the situation in Ukraine before the war to the situation in Switzerland, was it similar/better/worse?
I don‘t think you can really compare it, because Switzerland has way more established systems. Independent Ukraine is still a very young country, but it has come very far. Ukraine needs more time to achieve a similar level to Switzerland.
4. Do you think the media coverage is accurate?
I have a critical type of thinking, so I did notice that some media (especially at the beginning of the war) reported „pro-Russian“. Information about the activity from the frontlines were withheld, but after the war crimes in Bucha and Irpin were uncovered, that has improved. Now I think it‘s quite good but I would like for it to be even more talked about. For people interested in the situation in Ukraine I recommend to read about Ukraine‘s history and it’s wish to be independent.
5. Is there anything specific people can help with regarding the three discussed topics?
During the war, it will be hard to resolve the problem of waste disposal. But in general I think politics will help with resolving the mentioned issues, the population itself can not do that.
6. Is there anything you would like to add/mention?
I want to say thank you to Switzerland and the residents for helping and supporting Ukrainians.