AreaRead the video transcript expand here
Anna Fonotova, refugee student
“My only wish is for the war to end. How - I don't know. Of course Ukraine should win. Naturally. But as soon as possible. As soon as possible, because everyone (refugees) in Europe, everyone wants to go home, back to their families, to their homes.«
Homesickness is great, especially on “Ukraine Day”: Anna Fonotova is studying business administration and social sciences at Viadrina University.
The 19-year-old fled before the war, first to Poland and then to Germany.
Today she presents a little bit of her homeland with her fellow students.
Georgiy Solomanchuk, exchange student from Ukraine
»
There are three goals of our event.
The first is to tell people that we Ukrainians are Europeans just like the Germans, the Italians, the French, etc. The second is to remember that there is a war and we are defending the whole free world.
And the third is to collect donations for Ukrainian refugees and the army
.«
Before the Russian invasion, Anna Fonotova studied public relations, having moved to Kyiv from her hometown of Lutsk in western Ukraine.
The separation from her family is much more painful for her today than it was before the war.
Anna Fonotova, refugee student
»
It's really difficult.
It's difficult, because in Ukraine I studied in Kyiv, and that was also far away.
I didn't appreciate it that much, but now I understand how important it is to be with them.
At the moment we try to talk for 30 minutes or an hour every day to tell each other everything.
We don't know if it might be the last call.
That's why it's really important for us to keep in touch.
«
Around 800,000 people from Ukraine have fled to Germany. Many, like Anna Fonotova, live between a new start and the hope of returning.
Fonotova is now trying to continue her studies, which she finances with a scholarship.
Her fellow students support her wherever they can.
Anna Fonotova, refugee student
»
Yes, they are really interested.
They try to support us with everything.
Do you need money?
do you need any support
Maybe we can organize some events.
They really care and they ask us.
We really appreciate that all of Europe is on our side.
«
Actions such as “Ukraine Day” are also a welcome distraction for Ukrainian students in Frankfurt an der Oder.
Georgiy Solomanchuk, exchange student from Ukraine
»
Well, to be honest, until the end of April, i.e. for two months, I couldn’t concentrate on my studies, i.e. not on my studies at all.
And then I started concentrating on my studies and then doing other things at the same time.
For example, volunteering with our refugees in Berlin or collecting money here.
We have to do something.
Don't just sit around.
«
