- A Ukrainian woman, who fled Kyiv the day following the first bombing, found refuge in Germany.
- Aleksandra Borodina continues to work for a tech company so she can support her husband in Lviv.
- She wants to return to Ukraine as soon as the war is over and help rebuild the country.
"The war has begun," were the words Aleksandra Borodina woke up to on February 24.
From the comfort of her sister's home, where she found refuge in Düsseldorf, Germany, she told Insider about the journey she embarked on — and how she is trying to financially support her partner, who is in Lviv, Ukraine.
Not much made sense to Borodina that morning when the first bombing occurred and she was still half asleep. Her partner, however, explained to her what was happening in a calm voice while stroking her hair. A few minutes later, the first air raid sirens sounded: "I realized that this was a life-changing event that divided life into 'before' and 'after.'"
She added: "The event that everyone was actively discussing, thinking through scenarios, but to be honest, almost no one believed it, was actually happening. It seemed just impossible for the modern world."
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent military troops to invade Ukraine in late February, a move that has been hugely criticized by Western countries, including the US, which accuses Russia of war crimes for its "indiscriminate attacks" on civilians.
In Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, Russia was reported to have targeted hospitals, schools, and theaters where hundreds of children were sheltering.
Borodina, 34, is from Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. She spent most of the first day of the war at home. Fleeing was not an option then, "it just looked like a panic and senseless option at the time," she said. "Looking back, however, I would have done the same as others and left on the first day. We would have had time to cross the border on the first day and Vlad would be with me."
Borodina's partner, Vlad Builvol is the CEO of a natural wine store. Ukrainian men have been banned from leaving the country and urged to join the army.
'But I am safe … '
Borodina is aware of the psychological impact hearing sirens every day may have on her partner. She added: "I can't imagine what happens to people who have continuously lived under bombing every day – for over a month now."
She continues to work for Kyiv-based tech company, Roosh, as she wants to financially support her partner who has lost his job. She said that her company is doing everything to save jobs and pay wages in full. "We continue to work, and at the end of the war, we will rebuild our country."
As soon as the war is over, she wants to return to Ukraine, and to "my dear Kyiv. This is my home, which I love with all my heart."
She added: "I really want to help Ukraine to get back on its feet. To implement this plan, it is important for me to continue working and temporarily settle down here."
She has submitted documents to German authorities about her rights, legal status, and health insurance. She said: "Everything changes every day," but she can't help and feel grateful for the support she has received, "Germany is now very supportive of Ukrainian refugees. We understand how lucky we are."
"Yet, we miss our home and husbands very much," she said.
Borodina was worried about the reception that would greet her after she fled. At that time, the queues at the borders were kilometers long, she said. "The situation with Syria in the past has shown that Europe is not really looking forward to refugees. But we were pleasantly surprised by all the support that was waiting for us. I can't speak for all countries but Germany provides a lot of help."
She added: "I am in a foreign country, and without much understanding of the future, but I am safe."