Posted on Aug 4, 2023
Ukraine war: Family reunited 18 months after tearful goodbye on Platform 5
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In early 2022, as war was breaking out, a Ukrainian family said a painful goodbye to their father amid chaotic scenes at Lviv railway station. Almost 18 months later, Fergal Keane travelled with them as they prepared to come back together.
Short presentational grey line
The children are struggling to sleep. For at least the last week, 10-year-old Anna has been asking her mother Oksana how many days to departure.
She hops from one leg to the other. Then disappears to her bedroom to find a painting she has done at school. It is a rendering of their little flat here in Surrey, up a quiet cul-de-sac in the shade of tall trees, and she will present it to her father when they meet.
There is snow falling in the foreground. It is an image of winter, like the country she left behind 18 months ago.
Short presentational grey line
The children are struggling to sleep. For at least the last week, 10-year-old Anna has been asking her mother Oksana how many days to departure.
She hops from one leg to the other. Then disappears to her bedroom to find a painting she has done at school. It is a rendering of their little flat here in Surrey, up a quiet cul-de-sac in the shade of tall trees, and she will present it to her father when they meet.
There is snow falling in the foreground. It is an image of winter, like the country she left behind 18 months ago.
Ukraine war: Family reunited 18 months after tearful goodbye on Platform 5
Posted from bbc.com
Russia
Ukraine
Family
Posted 9 mo ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Right now this is really hard for me," Jenia replies. "It's really hard to comprehend."
Before the family leaves us, Oksana wants to say something to other Ukrainians who have been separated by the war: "Love each other and take care of each other. Hold on to your love until the end."
In a month they will have to say goodbye again. But Jenia's words from Lviv station at the beginning of the war come back: everything will be fine.
I realise they are more than simply words to this family. They are an enduring act of faith the war has not destroyed."
..."Right now this is really hard for me," Jenia replies. "It's really hard to comprehend."
Before the family leaves us, Oksana wants to say something to other Ukrainians who have been separated by the war: "Love each other and take care of each other. Hold on to your love until the end."
In a month they will have to say goodbye again. But Jenia's words from Lviv station at the beginning of the war come back: everything will be fine.
I realise they are more than simply words to this family. They are an enduring act of faith the war has not destroyed."
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