Ukrainian Refugees in Sweden Mark 4th Anniversary of Russian Invasion with Mixed Emotions

Ukrainian refugees living in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden gathered on Tuesday to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to Swedish public broadcaster SVT. The event at Stora Torget in Örnsköldsvik brought together several Ukrainian women who have made Sweden their home since fleeing the war.

Among those attending were Viktoria, a mother of two who has lived in Örnsköldsvik for four years, and friends Irina and Julia, who both arrived in 2022. Viktoria recalled the morning of the invasion on February 24, 2022, when her youngest son was about six months old. "We woke up hearing a bomb, but at first I thought it might just be a car crash outside. Then we understood what was happening," she told SVT.

The women expressed fluctuating hope for peace. "The war isn't over yet, but we hope it ends soon," said Viktoria. Irina added, "Sometimes we lose hope. We all hope the war will end, but right now it doesn't feel like it. It's terrible."

Viktoria described deteriorating conditions in Ukraine, where her father still lives. "It's extremely expensive and there's no safety there now. Not for children or anyone still living in the war," she said. When asked about returning, she expressed doubt: "It's difficult, but I don't think we want to come back. There are many weapons, many people who are mentally ill, and there are no normal living conditions there."

The gathering reflected the ongoing impact of the conflict on Ukrainian diaspora communities across Europe as the war enters its fifth year.