A glimpse of life before the war
Yulia Ivashutkina, 50, is originally from Zaporozhe, Ukraine, but in recent years, she lived in Kyiv with her family. She worked in a private kindergarten and was raising two children—a son who had just started learning to play the trumpet, and a young daughter enrolled in kindergarten.
“Our life in Kyiv was wonderful,” Yulia recalls. “We lived in a cozy neighborhood on the outskirts of the city, near Bucha.” But their lives were forever changed when the full-scale war broke out in February 2022, halting everything—work, education, and community life.
Fleeing to Moldova
As the war escalated, Yulia and her family made the difficult decision to flee Kyiv in February 2022, arriving in Balti, Moldova, with just two backpacks for their belongings. Their arrival was challenging, but they quickly found support, first at a local refugee accommodation center and then through humanitarian aid that enabled them to rent their own home. Yulia found a sense of community in Moldova that helped her navigate the hardships.
“I chose to talk to people,” she says. “The feeling that your life is being ripped away is very hard to bear”. Yulia began volunteering at a UNHCR-supported refugee accommodation center, organizing activities for children and teens. “It wasn’t just about survival—this work gave me purpose.”
The crucial role of financial assistance
Shortly after arriving in Moldova, Yulia and her family registered for UNHCR’s cash assistance program. In April 2022, they received their first payment—8,800 lei for their family of four. This financial support became a critical lifeline, allowing them to cover essential needs such as rent, food, and other necessities.
“We didn’t even think about traveling or entertainment,” Yulia explains. “This money helps us survive. Without it, what we earn wouldn’t be enough.”
UNHCR’s cash assistance program provides refugees like Yulia with the flexibility to prioritize their family’s most pressing needs, giving them a sense of control over their lives during uncertain times. For Yulia’s family, the assistance is more than just financial relief—it is safety, and a vital tool for rebuilding their lives step by step.
“Having a guarantee of a roof over your head offers a sense of relief,” she says. “It allows us to plan ahead, even if it’s just small steps.”
Thanks to the support received, among other things, Yulia’s son has been able to continue his trumpet studies at the Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts in Moldova. Her young daughter, who initially struggled to adjust, is gradually settling into her new life, attending kindergarten.
Despite the challenges, Yulia and her husband are committed to ensuring their children’s future. “Our big plans may have fallen apart, but we will not stop our children from learning and growing,” she says.
A future built on stability
For the Ivashutkina family, financial assistance has provided much-needed stability in a time of uncertainty and crisis. “Receiving this constant support allows you to make little plans, to think about your children’s education and their future,” Yulia shares.
She remains deeply grateful for the support she has received and to the people of Moldova, whose kindness has helped her family stay afloat. With UNHCR’s cash assistance programme, supported by the EU Civil and Humanitarian Aid, this family could breathe a little easier and keep going.
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