As the conflict in Ukraine approaches its fifth year, the plight of the Ukrainian refugees residing in Scotland deepens, with many grappling with the question of whether they can ever return home. Ongoing hostilities, particularly the recent surge in Russian attacks on critical energy infrastructure, have made the prospect of return increasingly bleak for those who have sought sanctuary in the UK.
Continued Strife in Ukraine
The latest round of peace talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States recently concluded without any significant progress. These discussions were overshadowed by relentless Russian air strikes, which have devastated Ukraine’s energy systems, leaving millions without power or heating during a particularly harsh winter. Temperatures have plummeted to around -15C (5F), further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis for those still in Ukraine, as well as for the refugees who fled to seek safety.
Among the 29,112 Ukrainians who have settled in Scotland since the onset of the war, many are left pondering their futures. Svitlana Savinova, who hails from the war-torn town of Izyum, shared her harrowing experience. “My town is completely destroyed. It used to have a population of 40,000; now it’s roughly half of that,” she reflects. Like many others, Svitlana has found that returning to her homeland is no longer a viable option.
Building New Lives in a Foreign Land
Svitlana’s family, which includes her three children, has been trying to rebuild their lives in Elgin. An engineer by profession, Svitlana has made strides in her education, completing an HNC engineering course at the University of the Highlands and Islands Moray. She expresses gratitude for the opportunities afforded to her in Scotland, particularly for the stability it has provided her family. Her daughter, Maria, has not only improved her English but has also taken up drumming in the town’s junior pipe band.
Svitlana’s sentiment is clear: Scotland has become their new home. “It’s where my child is so happy and safe,” she states. “For all my life, I will be grateful to Scotland and the UK for this opportunity to live here peacefully.”
Diverging Views on Returning Home
While Svitlana sees Scotland as her family’s permanent residence, her fellow refugee, Alex Sivko, maintains a more ambivalent stance on returning to Ukraine. A former PE teacher, Alex was involved in the early battles of the war and found it difficult to leave his homeland. “Before the war, we had an amazing life,” he recalls. “But everything changed in an instant.”
Alex’s family has begun to adapt to their new surroundings, with him currently working with Forestry and Land Scotland. While he acknowledges the comfort and happiness they have found in Elgin, he still holds onto the hope of returning home if conditions allow. “My home is Ukraine because it’s my motherland, but Scotland is my second home,” he explains. “It depends on the situation in Ukraine.”
The Challenge of a Temporary Refuge
The UK government has expressed its commitment to supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict while providing a temporary haven for those fleeing. However, it is clear that the refugee status granted to many is not an indefinite solution. The expectation is that once peace is restored, Ukrainians will be encouraged to return home. Yet, the security guarantees and the future of Ukraine remain uncertain.
With more than 5.5 million people having fled the country since the war began, the question of safety and stability weighs heavily on the minds of many refugees. The desire to return is countered by fears of potential dangers posed by Russia, leaving families like Alex’s and Svitlana’s caught in a difficult limbo.
Why it Matters
The situation of Ukrainian refugees in Scotland highlights the broader implications of the ongoing conflict, as well as the complex emotional and logistical challenges faced by those who have sought refuge. As peace talks stall and the humanitarian crisis deepens, the future remains uncertain for millions, both in Ukraine and abroad. For those like Svitlana and Alex, the struggle to find a sense of belonging in a foreign land while holding onto the hope of returning home is a poignant reflection of the enduring impact of war on families and communities.
