Four years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, Yuliia Pidypchak has found a new life in Forsbacka, Sweden. According to Swedish public broadcaster SVT Gävleborg, Pidypchak fled Ukraine in 2023 with her son while her husband remained behind due to Ukraine's restrictions on men aged 18-60 leaving the country. Initially arriving in Sandviken near Gävle, Pidypchak says her life truly began in Forsbacka where she found employment opportunities.
"Forsbacka is our second home now. Here I have a job and here my son is happy," Pidypchak told SVT. She initially wanted to return to Ukraine immediately after arriving in Sweden but has now decided to stay.
"Here in Forsbacka is my and my son's future," she said. Pidypchak notes that the nature in Forsbacka is almost the same as in western Ukraine, and after two years in Sweden, she feels safe and happy. She communicates with her husband daily by phone while waiting and hoping for the war to end soon.