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In the Zaporizhia region of Ukraine, many kindergartens have been turned into refugee centers, welcoming Ukrainians from the country’s less secure areas.
The IDPs interviewed by VOA correspondent Katerina Markova tell of the horror experienced in the areas already occupied by Russian forces.
Many residents of the occupied cities in southern Ukraine, such as Mariupol, Kherson and Berdyansk arrive in Zaporizhzhia and spend the first night in this former kindergarten.
The kindergarten is called “Veselka”, which from the Ukrainian language translates to Rainbow Kindergarten. They arrive by bus, about 100 people at a time. Here you are given food and a comfortable place to stay. Kindergarten director Natalia Kuzmenko is often present to greet them.
“We think there is so much we need to do for these people to make them feel welcome. “We make sure everyone has food or a coffee and then they go to Lviv and from there they go to Poland, or wherever they go,” said Kuzmenko.
Natalia is one of those who are staying in this garden and shared with VOA horror stories from the war.
“It’s very difficult: I spent two months in hell; “There was no electricity or gas, there was little water and last week, everything disappeared,” said Natalia.
Other refugees said Russian troops entered their city and made it impossible to stay.
“In one case, they got drunk and started arguing, shooting at each other! I have three children, but I have never seen anything like it! Then someone would say to me, “We came to protect you.” And I said, “From whom? “Where did you come from to protect me?” Said Ms Mykolaivna.
Displaced persons stay only one night before continuing on their way, but they feel great relief during their short stay.
“We did not expect such a warm welcome from people, nor did we expect help,” said a refugee who is already on her way to another country. Staff and volunteers, however, in some cases feel overwhelmed.
“We often cry. When you get home, tell your family members about the stories you hear. It ‘s awful. No one here knows even half of what is happening in war zones! It is about torturing people! “At least here, in our country, refugees feel a little warmth and care,” said Ms Kuzmenko.
So far, the center has helped more than 2,000 people seeking security and stability as Russia continues to fight Ukraine./VOA
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