Ukraine Flags | graphic by Mairen Donohoe | The Wright State Guardian
Wright State University (WSU) alumnus and native Ukrainian shares hope for peace and positivity while seeking refuge in a bomb shelter as the Russian-Ukraine war continues.
The conflict
When Russian military forces invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, it shocked not only Ukraine and eastern Europe but the western world at large.
Tensions between the two nations increased in the days and weeks leading up to the invasion.
When attacks on major civilian cities like Kyiv and Kharkiv ensued, many Ukrainian citizens hid, fled, or stayed to fight Russian forces, according to the Associated Press.
Wright State alumnus experience
Personal safety concerns
Wright State University alumnus and native Ukrainian Vladyslav Faraponov is one of many Ukrainians waiting out the war.
Faraponov participated in an international student exchange program at WSU from fall 2019 to spring 2020. He finished his studies in Kyiv, where he lived and worked. The alumnus fled the capital city when the conflict started.
Following safety alerts and measures, Faraponov explained how he stays in a small shelter for hours at a time when the local government issues warnings regarding bomb attacks.
“We have the shelter. The first time I went there, I was shocked. The first 30 minutes I thought I got older like (I) aged twice as much,” Faraponov said. “The worst feeling is that you cannot change the situation. That made me feel helpless, it made me feel stressful.”
In one instance, he was in this shelter for over two hours. Faraponov had to bring his own chairs, food, water and other supplies to the shelter as there are no beds or other amenities.
He stays in the shelter with two other families with 16 other people ranging in age from three to 70.
While the young man shelters from the conflict with strangers' families he is separated from his own family.
Concerns for his family
His family, including his parents, 12-year-old brother, and grandmother, live in another part of the country that is currently seeing heavy conflict.
“The hotspots are in the south near my home city and I’m really worried about that,” Faraponov said.
Faraponov tearfully recounted stories when his younger brother ventured out to deliver bread to their 73-year-old grandmother and when his grandmother had to seek refuge in a bomb shelter.
His family's actions spark pride in the young man while his connection with them provides a source of positivity and hope.
“No one is more useful, is more helpful, is more appreciated than (those) you share blood with.”
Faraponov
Promoting unity and calm
Despite the stress and uncertainty of the situation, the young alumnus encourages positivity, self-care and unity among his fellow Ukrainians.
“I urge everyone to stay calm, to stay positive, we will win.I am so proud to be Ukrainian.”
Faraponov
WSU students who may be struggling with the stress of the situation can utilize campus services like the University Center for International Education and Counseling and Wellness.
