Escaping the Conflict: A Brief Respite from Armed Struggle
Yuliia Shchetyna, a Ukrainian journalist and producer from the Cherson region, living in Kyiv, recently took a vacation to Finland. The trip was a much-needed respite from the ongoing conflict in her home country, but it was not without its challenges.
Before the war, Shchetyna spent her holidays and long weekends on the coast of the Cherson region, enjoying the beach, eating crabs, boiled corn, and swimming in the sea. However, since the occupation, she hasn't been able to return to her safe space.
Shchetyna's vacation was organized by a train travel to the Polish border, Warsaw, and Helsinki, totaling 32 hours. Traveling abroad during the war is expensive, but the journey was worth it for a few weeks of relaxation.
Shchetyna has a Master's degree in Cultural Studies and is the creator of the history project "Deoccupied History" about Russian myths in southern Ukraine. During her vacation, she spent time swimming in a lake, going on forest walks, and discussing her worries with relatives.
However, the peaceful surroundings could not completely erase the concerns of the war. Shchetyna struggled with constantly checking the news on her phone and felt guilty about taking a vacation while her friends and family stayed in Ukraine.
Despite these challenges, Shchetyna's vacation was wonderful. She found it difficult to get used to the regular loud noises in Finland after living in a war zone, but the tranquillity of the Finnish countryside provided a much-needed contrast.
The article was made possible through the financial support of the Research Fund Abroad e.V., an organisation that can be supported by making a donation or becoming a member. Shchetyna is also currently working on a news and analysis project about the lives of people in southern Ukraine during the war.
Shchetyna is unsure if she has the right to relax during the war, but understands that relaxation is a way to protect oneself and have the strength to return to the reality of war. Despite the ongoing conflict, Shchetyna remains hopeful and determined to continue her work as a journalist, documenting the lives of those affected by the war in Ukraine.
