'From when we arrived they have given us support, kindness and open hearts.'

LYUBOV Shymko says she will be appreciative to Scottish people for the rest of her life. The mother of two will have been in Dumfries and Galloway for three years in June after relocating from her home in Nizhyn, in the Chernihiv region of Ukraine. Before moving, Lyubov, who has a PhD in mechanical engineering in agriculture, worked as a lecturer at the National University of Life and Environmental Science in Kyiv. She said: “When war started our first thoughts were to stay in Ukraine. “It was hard because there was a lack of provisions. All the supermarkets were empty and I had children, as a mother it was very hard for me. I realised I could not save my children if something happened. “When the Ukrainian army started to control to control some of the roads we decided to move. First we moved to Poland where we spent two months.” She added: “I left behind everything. “I still keep in touch with my friends and colleagues. “I still work for my university; I’m helping them as a volunteer with international projects.” Lyubov currently works as a customer assistant at Morrisons, while also volunteering at the Ukrainian Cafe Project at the Crichton and at Hallmuir Chapel, where she is events coordinator and even started a Saturday school for children. She has also been involved in the Regenerative Heritage Green Spaces project, a collaboration between the Crichton Trust and the Open University, and is currently awaiting confirmation of the project’s extension. On the current situation in her homeland, Lyubov said: “It is a very difficult situation at the moment. They must continue working despite serious problems with electricity and heating. For now, they are working online whenever possible. Hopefully, by March-May time, the situation will improve and people will be able to return to their buildings.” And on returning to Ukraine in the future, she said: “It’s a very difficult question, because we are very worried about Ukraine. “We are keeping in touch and helping as much as we can. We are organising events to donate to the army and the rest of the people there. “I don’t know when it will be safe again in Ukraine, even when the war has stopped. There will be a lot of war material, debris and ruins left there. “We are keeping our life here just now. We are renting a house. My youngest daughter goes to school and speaks great English. My oldest daughter recently graduated from Glasgow University. “Ukraine will always be our home, but at the moment we are focusing on stability and safety for our children, while hoping for peace in the future.” Lyubov added: “From when we arrived, we have been welcomed with support, kindness and open hearts. “The Ukrainian community is very appreciative to the Scottish community and the Scottish Government. “Ukrainian people work very hard. We understand that we cannot just take, we should give – pay taxes, volunteer and improve the economy. “We are appreciative for the support to make sure we feel safe and at home.”