‘I am Ukraine’ highlights accounts of flight and hope

From left, Olha Myroshnychenko, of Whitehall, Anastasia Vykhrystyuk, of Mt. Lebanon, Kateryna Boiko, of Sewickley, and Diana Denysenko, of Whitehall, on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, in the Strip District. (Photo by Stephanie Strasburg/PublicSource)

Russia’s war on Ukraine sent millions scrambling for safe havens, including Pittsburgh, and shocked people with roots in the Eastern European country. In advance of three I am Ukraine events, four women share their stories.

by Olha Myroshnychenko, Diana Denysenko, Anastasia Vykhrystyuk and Kateryna Boiko, For PublicSource

Nearly two years ago, Russia invaded Ukraine. Pittsburghers of Ukrainian descent immediately felt the emotional impact. The war displaced some 11 million Ukrainians, the vast majority of whom remained in Europe, but thousands of whom came to the U.S.

Some found their ways to Pittsburgh.

I am Ukraine is a series of three free events featuring discussions, song, dance, food tasting and video presentations crafted by refugees and other immigrants from the country, plus others with deep roots there, running from Sunday through Feb. 10.

The events stem from a partnership of the nonprofit Sharing Our Story, City of Asylum, St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Jewish Family and Community Services, JCC Center for Lovingkindness and Engagement, and Ukrainian Cultural and Heritage Institute.

Sharing Our Story and four of the storytellers agreed to share their work with PublicSource.

Ukrainian special treasure

Olha Myroshnychenko, 40, of Whitehall, stands for a portrait on Jan. 23, in the Strip District. (Photo by Stephanie Strasburg/PublicSource)

Olha Myroshnychenko, 40, left Ukraine on Feb. 25, 2022, on the second day of the war. From Slovakia, she relocated to the U.S. in February 2023, and lives in Whitehall with her mother and son.

I’m going around my apartment again. What else should I take with me? Of course, the child is the first priority, but I’ve already dressed him and he is waiting near the door. What else? I put my books in the suitcase. I had room only for two books there. I’m taking the icon of Saint Barbara with me, the one who protected me in all my travels. I’m whispering to myself that Barbara will help this time as well.

I’m opening the drawer and seeing an unfinished knitted jacket. My hand is reaching for it by itself. But no, I have no room for it. And if there is no electrical light, how will I possibly be able to knit? I’d better take this pearl bracelet — I could give it to the worst enemies as a bribe at the checkpoint — so that they can let me go. Oh, I should take the gold jewelry! Where is it?

While I’m looking for gold, my eyes fall on the acrylic peonies that we painted together with my son, and the flying fairy, embroidered with a cross and beads. I feel my heart ache, but I’m taking my eyes away from my paintings — now the most important thing is to save our lives and survive. I will draw more. I will embroider more. Later. I promise this to myself. I’m wiping the tears from my eyes and putting the gold jewelry in the suitcase.

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‘I am Ukraine’ highlights accounts of flight and hope

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