Published on: 2026-06-28
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
28 June 2026 Refugees and migrants
Telling about how she left Ukraine, Natalia first of all remembers the cold, snow under her feet, and long queues at the border. A small suitcase, packed in a hurry. Her son nearby, asking questions, many of which she has no answer to. Odessa was left behind. Ahead lies the unknown.
When in February 2022 Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Natalia did not even think about leaving her country. Having many years of experience working in the departments of intensive care, anesthesiology, and surgery, she was used to working in extreme conditions and making difficult decisions. But it is impossible to prepare for the test of war.
When air raid alarms became part of everyday life, and the residents of Odessa were increasingly forced to seek shelter in basements, Natalia decided that she had to take her child away. She packed a small suitcase and left Ukraine together with her son. Natalia’s husband, also a medical worker, stayed home.
The road to the unknown
The road was long and difficult: snow, long queues at the border with Moldova, and complete uncertainty. Preparing to leave, Natalia prudently spread money across different pockets in case of an emergency. But more than anything, she was worried about something else – how to help her son survive everything that was happening.
In Moldova, she was met with warmth that she will remember forever. “The residents of Moldova welcomed the arrivals with hot tea, sandwiches, cookies, and national dishes. They helped strangers and shared with them everything they could. I will never forget this kindness,” says Natalia.
New role in a new country
Having ended up in Chisinau, Natalia began working as a volunteer at a refugee accommodation center. She helped distribute humanitarian aid, organized activities for children, and provided psychological support to families who were severely affected by the consequences of the war. After all, even having reached safety, many continued to experience the effects of what they had endured.
One boy from Kiev especially stuck in Natalya’s memory. During the games, he suddenly began shouting: “Air raid!”, as if a war was following him across the border.
Medical education and many years of experience made Natalia in demand again soon. A few months later, she was offered to join the International Organization for Migration (IOM) program to train specialists who would inform the population about the benefits of vaccination. The project was aimed at Ukrainian refugees with medical education. For Natalia, it was not just an opportunity to apply her professional skills. This work helped her once again feel needed and find a new purpose.
Today Natalia works as a medical intermediary at the IOM representative office in Moldova. She helps Ukrainian refugees navigate the local healthcare system: making appointments with doctors or registering to receive the necessary medical assistance.
“Our task is to ensure that people can receive medical services in a timely and safe manner,” says Natalia. “Many do not know where to turn and what rights temporary protection provides. Sometimes difficulties arise at the clinic or hospital, and then we help find a solution.”
Support for those who are starting life anew
Natalya also regularly conducts informational sessions for Ukrainian communities, explaining how the healthcare system works, and what changes are taking place in legislation. Her professional experience allows her to quickly understand the situation and help people choose the right path to receive medical assistance. However, equally valuable is her personal experience of forced resettlement – Natalya understands well the confusion that many refugees feel in the first months after arrival.
“Health is the most valuable thing we have,” says Natalia. “A person can have many problems, but when they fall ill, everything else becomes secondary. That is why it is so important to take care of prevention, stay active, and support each other.”
Today Natalia and her son are gradually settling their lives in Chisinau, maintaining a close connection with their native Odessa. Despite the future remaining uncertain, Natalia is confident – she will always help people.
“Wherever I am, helping others will always be the most important part of my life. I hope to one day return home, to Odessa. But the experience I gained here, and the community of people I found in Moldova, will stay with me forever.”
Please note; This information is raw content directly obtained from the source. It represents an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.