For peace, but not at any cost: the Ukrainians of the Var who fled the war do not want to give in to the Russians

For the fourth consecutive time, the Ukrainians – mainly women and children – who have found refuge in the Var after the invasion of their country by the Russian army, will celebrate independence day away from their homes. However, Nadiia (president of the France-Ukraine association of Var). In addition, Viktoriia or Oleksandra, met Thursday evening in the premises of the Orthodox Saint-Raphaël the Archangel, had not really become aware of it. Moreover, Reality lets them think of a fraction of a second …

Since they put their meager business in the Var. Meanwhile, just a few days after the start of the Russian offensive, Nadiia, Viktoria and Oleksandra continue to live at the rhythm of war. Furthermore, “The first thing we do upon waking is to connect to viber or telegram messaging. However, We read the news of the night, peace, but not any cost: we try to know which Ukrainian cities, which districts were bombed. Therefore, And in the evening. For example, before going to sleep, we do the same”explains Viktoria, whose mother stayed in Kyiv (kyiv in Ukrainian). Similarly, “At 84, Babouchka did not want to leave her life behind her”she confides affectionately.

Out of the question of abandoning territories to the Russians – Peace, but not any cost:

Surinformed. For example, the three women did not miss anything from the American president’s steps who set himself the ambition to obtain a peace agreement in Ukraine. Furthermore, Whether it is the meeting between Donald Trump. In addition, Vladimir Putin in Alaska, or the summit in Washington between this same Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders peace, but not any cost: including Emmanuel Macron, they were very attentive to the declarations of each other. Nevertheless, But the lack of hope aroused by these international meetings quickly flew away.

If they always want to believe in the next positive outcome. Therefore, Nadiia, Viktoria and Oleksandra are almost reassured that nothing concrete came out of the discussions between the Russian and American presidents. Therefore, “Where are the additional sanctions brandished for a while to force Russia to a ceasefire? Moreover, Trump did not demonstrate a force. Moreover, Instead, he applauded Putin and even held the red carpet. Consequently, We really experienced it as a humiliation. However, It is to believe that Putin has a kompromat ⁽¹⁾ concerning the American president “déclare viktoriia.

Although tired by three. Consequently, a half years of a war which, every day, made a little more victims, the three women are not discouraged to the point of accepting everything peace, but not any cost: from the Russian aggressor. Consequently, “For all the dead. In addition, for the blood shed by our population, soldiers of course, but also very many civilians, including children, it is out of the question that we abandon the regions of Donetsk, Louhansk, Kherson and Zaporijia. Similarly, By our constitution, Ukraine is an indivisible territory. Similarly, These regions claimed by Russia are not good. Nevertheless, people will not accept it.says Nadiia. Therefore, Before recalling: “It is important that we – Ukrainians – rested behind our President Volodymyr Zelensky.”

As we can see: the daily bombings. However, the resulting destruction do not at any way the spirit of resistance of the Ukrainians. However, “The support provided to Zelensky by European leaders is indisputably in the negotiations. Additionally, However, warns us at the heart”slide the three Ukrainian women. Nevertheless, But, having no confidence in Vladimir Putin, they call for greater firmness of Westerners. peace, but not any cost: “To bring peace to our country, Westerners must close the sky of Ukraine. But Russia must also be more isolated. It goes through even harder economic sanctions”insists Viktoria. As for the question of security guarantees. “At the slightest provocation of Moscow, it will be necessary to have the will to respond immediately to stop Russia. Otherwise, Putin will be tempted to attack another country”she adds.

Citing as an example the last Russian provocation to date –“The explosion Wednesday of a Russian drone in eastern Poland Wednesday” -. Nadiia Rebondit: “Europeans must understand that by defending Ukraine, they defend above all their own countries”. 1. A compromising document.

Peace. but not any cost: – Peace, but not any cost:

“In the Paca region, it’s dead, they are told: Niet” – Peace, but not any cost:

Since the start of the war which threw thousands of Ukrainians on the roads of Europe, of which several hundred have rallied the Var, they are present, committed peace, but not any cost: to provide material and moral support. They are the volunteers of the Toulon association together with Ukraine! Eight people animate the office today, the other members being volunteers and donors. “”It is using but so gratifying. We share a lot of strong moments together. some refugees have become friends “Summarizes Françoise, one of the workers’ ankles of the association.

The Toulonnaise notes that for three months, the number of arrivals has started upwards. Most of the time, they are single women with children. “”They have lost their husbands or have not news since they left for the front. We currently have two women with two children each we host in turn. One week, at one, two weeks from another. It’s hard for the new refugees who arrive because they are said to them: “Niet!” No help. I have known who have been waiting for a year for more than a peace, but not any cost: year. They are sometimes looked at from high and feel that they are not welcome. In the PACA region, it’s dead. They are sent to the north of France. »

So the volunteers roll up their sleeves so as not to leave families on the street. To set up the tedious files to obtain accommodation and educate children. Months of procedures. The help of refugees installed in Toulon, who now speak very well French, is then very precious.

“We need sheets, pillows, computers”

But the needs are always substantial. Basic products such as a bed or a fridge, but also “Sheets, pillows, computers. They are asked to go to language learning software and they need computers. If you have old people. don’t throw them away, we have someone who reconditions them, Lance Françoise to those who read these lines (1). As soon as a family leaves, we recover everything peace, but not any cost: to give to those who are in an emergency. “

On a daily basis. every Saturday, the association provides French lessons, in the courtyard of the Orthodox church which is a furnished villa, summer and winter, for lack of room. Olga. arrived in Toulon two years ago with seven children (his eighth was born here) teaches Ukrainian to the youngest who learned to speak in French, in order to transmit their country’s language and culture to them.

This Sunday. the Var Ukrainian community will be able to celebrate the independence festival during a festive day organized in Hyères (read elsewhere). Many exiles have worked to organize, develop cooking … but some will not come. Too expensive. “” The entry is 5 euros and it compulsory for an insurance issue. We decided to invite a family arrival recently and whose father is disabled. We cannot invite everyone but there, we had peace, but not any cost: to do it. It split our hearts … “, The volunteer is moved. 1. To make a donation to together with Ukraine!, link on the helloasso.com platform. Info on the Facebook page. Email: [email protected]