“We were sure every second that we would die, we did not think that we would have a chance to escape from there.”
For 20-year-old Anfisa Ignatova, her life living as a student in Stirling alongside her mother was one that for several bleak days living in a basement and drinking water out of a well under Russian bombardment didn’t seem possible.
Before the events of February 24, 2022 Anfisa lived near the Ukrainian city of Bucha with mother Victoria, father Yaroslav and boyfriend Sasha at their children’s equestrian camp and local theatre - with four dogs, three cats and two horses for company.
But then it all changed.
The family were forced to spend the first ten days under complete Russian occupation in the small village of Lytvynivka - around 20 kilometres from Bucha.
Anfisa said: “It was the scariest ten days of my family’s life.
“Every day we saw Russian helicopters, fighter jets, every minute we heard explosions of bombs, rockets, air battles, shootings in the village.
“We constantly lived in fear of dying. On the third day, the lights were turned off, the communication was lost, there was no water, gas, or food.
“We ate bread, canned cucumbers from the cellar and drank water from an old well. It was very cold. We constantly slept either in the cellar or on the floor in the neighbours’ living room.”
Tragedy was soon to follow for the animal-loving family with the news that two horses at the nearby ranch had been killed by a shell - but it was a fight for survival as Russian forces flooded past, heading for the battlegrounds of Bucha and Hostomel.
“We were very lucky to get out through the blown-up bridge at a time when there were no shots fired and no air raids”, Anfisa continued.
“When we crossed the bridge to the Ukrainian side, our father had to go back to hell, to the occupation, because we could not leave our animals there alone.
“Now it is very scary and painful to remember what we went through. But it is important that the world understands what hell was and is now in Ukraine.”
With Anfisa and Victoria left unable to work or study in a war-torn Ukraine, it was decided that they would make a gruelling drive of almost 3,500 kilometres - with the family dog in tow - in August to head for Scotland and for Stirling.
Since arriving, the pair have been helping with efforts to raise money for their homeland, organising presentations in Killin, Dunblane and at the university.
They have also been helping with interpreting for new arrivals into Scotland and have organised Easter egg painting sessions to collect money.
But while the gratitude for the warm welcome is evident, Anfisa admits her heart still lies with returning home.
“The people of Scotland received us extremely well and friendly. They help us a lot. The Scots are very friendly to us, always ready to help. We feel safe here. We really appreciate it.
“Even though we are now physically in Scotland, our mind, heart and soul are still in Ukraine. We read the news every day, call and write to our loved ones, and donate money to help.
“My boyfriend and my dad are still in Ukraine. Every day I live with the thought that my conversation with them could be our last conversation.
“Ukraine is fighting for the whole world. We believe that once we win, we can return home and live a happy life in peace.”
