Maria’s story highlights the resilience and strength of displaced people everywhere

As millions around the world celebrate the festive season, for some, the holidays are not a time of joy, but a reminder of loss and separation. For Maria Romanenko, a Ukrainian journalist who fled her homeland after the Russian invasion, this Christmas marks her third in the UK—and it’s a time of mixed emotions.

Maria, 32, along with her Mancunian partner, Jez Myers, made a perilous journey to the UK in March 2022 after escaping the Kyiv region at the start of the war. The couple had to endure a harrowing four-day wait at the Polish border before Maria was allowed to enter the UK. What should have been a hopeful start to a new chapter in their lives has, however, been marked by profound sadness.

Christmas: A Reminder of What Was Lost

For Maria, Christmas and New Year's Eve serve as painful reminders of the loved ones she left behind—many of whom she couldn’t even say goodbye to. Her grandmother, Maria, who passed away on Christmas Day in 2022 at the age of 91, is one of the biggest losses. Maria was unable to visit her in her final years and never had the chance to say goodbye before fleeing. Her absence on the holidays, which should be filled with joy and family, is felt deeply.

Maria shared, “When I was fleeing, it was a very quick decision. I couldn’t really see my family because I was worried for my safety.” She added that the ongoing war and the uncertainty it brings only heighten the emotional toll, knowing that her father and brother remain in Ukraine, living under constant threat.

A Refugee’s Struggle to Find Festive Cheer

Describing her third Christmas in the UK as “another milestone,” Maria admits that it is extremely difficult to be in a festive mood when the threat of death hangs over her loved ones back home. She said, “It’s very difficult to be in a festive mood when you know that your friends and family could be killed, but I’m trying to feel positive.” Maria’s words resonate deeply with the many refugees and displaced people who have to carry the weight of their trauma every day, especially during the holidays.

Maria's experience is not unique. For many Ukrainian refugees, the holiday season is a harsh reminder of the devastation they left behind—the families they are separated from, the homes destroyed, and the futures uncertain. Despite this, many continue to push through with strength, trying to find moments of joy amid their grief.

The Need for Continued Support

Maria also reflects on her hopes for 2025, stressing the importance of international support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russian aggression. As a journalist, she has witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of the war, and she urges the UK government and other countries to continue providing essential military aid to Ukraine. “We need to pressure Russia to stop thinking that they can get away with this behavior,” she said.

Maria's plea underscores the ongoing need for global support in a conflict that has already claimed countless lives. “Just continue to support Ukraine and give Ukraine more defense weapons because without those we can’t really defend ourselves,” she added.

Finding Strength in Community

While this Christmas is tough for Maria, she is not alone. In addition to her partner Jez, she has built a support network in the UK, connecting with other Ukrainian refugees who share similar experiences. She has also become an advocate for Ukrainian culture in her new community, running free Ukrainian language cultural tours in Liverpool. These efforts not only help others understand Ukraine’s rich heritage but also provide Maria with a sense of purpose in her new life.

While the festive season remains challenging, Maria is determined to stay positive and focus on the future. Through community engagement and continued advocacy for Ukraine, she is creating new ways to honor her homeland and those she lost.

A Long Road Ahead for Ukrainian Refugees

Maria Romanenko’s third Christmas in the UK serves as a reminder of the deep emotional and psychological impact that war and displacement have on refugees. For those like Maria, the holidays are not just about the absence of family, but the constant worry for the safety of loved ones still in Ukraine.

As the world celebrates, Maria’s story highlights the resilience and strength of displaced people everywhere. It also emphasizes the importance of continued international support for Ukraine, not only during the holiday season but in the ongoing fight for peace and justice. The road to healing is long, but with global solidarity, there is hope for a brighter future.