The journey of 21-year-old Anastasia from Ukraine to Estonia started on 14 March from Kiev, which was suffering from aerial attacks. With the help of a volunteer, she reached the Polish border with her friends, where they crossed on foot. They gathered strength to move forward in Poland, until on 20 March they managed to get bus tickets to Estonia. The journey was long and cold - Anastasia forgot to pack her warm clothes in haste, so only one light coat protected her from the cold. According to Anastasia, the decision to leave home was very difficult to take but staying there would have been life-threatening. 

Anastasia grew up in the eastern Ukraine city of Zaporizhia, but for the last five years lived in Kiev. She studied at university, worked and enjoyed photography. She has a loving family who are very supportive of each other but who chose to stay in Zaporizhzhia.

Thanks to her friend, who has lived in Tallinn for the last five years and sent photos of life here, Anastasia was already familiar with Estonian nature and culture. Thanks to the friend, Anastasia reached Estonia and the Estonian Refugee Council, where she helps organise group counselling and makes sure that the right help reaches the right people.  

Anastasia is looking forward to reuniting with her parents and ten-year-old sister. She dreams of returning to normal life in Kiev and working there as a photographer but is very grateful for the warm welcome of Estonians and hopes to make new friends here.