Help Sooo...I'm Ukrainian

[GrumpyFrog]

Welp, there's a rather major update on my personal situation, not that I think anyone should care, but I'm just writing this down to sort out my thoughts (although if you have any feedback I appreciate it as usual).

My employer is not in Ukraine, our central office is in Boston, but a major chunk of employees are Ukrainians. I suppose having employees that are cool with being paid less than a dollar per hour while your customers are in US and pay you US prices is an awesome business model. Or so it was until the last few weeks when, apparenty, 3/4 of Ukrainian employees just ceased working completely citing the extreme circumstances and now the whole business is kind of falling apart. So yesterday it was announced that our employer is planning to organize evacuation for the employees. They will send buses to pick us up and transport us to the Romanian border. That's about it, you get dropped out there, get some help with your documents, and then you can go wherever and fend for yourself.
This, on one hand is an awesome offer. But on the other, my city wasn't that heavily affected yet, and if I leave it would be basically me accepting permanent homelessness. There is no way I can afford housing other than a tent that is provided for free anywhere in Europe with my salary, because I was barely making ends meet here in Ukraine. Even in a best case scenario when it all will be over quickly, if I go back to my hometown soon, I will still be homeless here - I will have to give up my current apartment (it's rented) for the reasons stated above (no way I can afford to keep paying for it AND to live in Europe with my salary), and considering the number of people that lost their home I can kind of expect a sharp spike in rent prices when I get back, which would leave me, once again, homeless.
So at the moment I have the following options:
- Turn down the evacuation offer, stay home, hope things remain relatively okay here, take an insane risk by doing so
- Evacuate, go to a refugee camp (where I probably wouldn't even be able to work), just see what happens, nothing good probably.
- Evacuate, screw over my employer by never returning to work, travel to the ocean (childhood dream), CTB at some beautiful location.
I am kind of inclined to pick option 3.
I also have two cats and I'm not sure what to do about them. I'd love to take them with me but I don't think I can find any place where I would be allowed to stay with them. I can stay behind for them, but I'm not sure I can protect them from war. I can look into the option of transporting them to Romania with me, then leaving them in a shelter somewhere where it's safe. It's really sad, but I think it's the best I can do for them.
Will have a call with my HR manager in about an hour, she'll discuss our options in more details...Shit this whole thing is hard.

 

[My_name_is_Luka]

Welp, there's a rather major update on my personal situation, not that I think anyone should care, but I'm just writing this down to sort out my thoughts (although if you have any feedback I appreciate it as usual).

I know that many people are receiving support from citizens in the other european countries. Some gets hosted by families (for free); some receive a free ticket to travel to other countries and rejoin with people that they know there.
I know that in Germany you can use public transport for free if you are ukrainian. I have also read that in some nations you are allowed to have a prolonged permit to stay.
Maybe you should ask to your HR if she can give you contacts to associations that are offering that kind of support.
Also, if you can work in home office (=your work is mostly done with a computer), you can ask her if you can continue your employment by working remotely from another country, until you manage to stabilize your situation.

If you need help for this, I can try to find some contacts for you.
I live in Germany (Munich), so not that far away (but not even the first german destinations where refugees arrive).
If you really can't find anything, let me know and I will try to arrange something.
I won't be able to host for a very long period, but at least I can offer a roof while you search for something else.

 

[PreussenBlueJay]

Welp, there's a rather major update on my personal situation, not that I think anyone should care, but I'm just writing this down to sort out my thoughts (although if you have any feedback I appreciate it as usual).

My employer is not in Ukraine, our central office is in Boston, but a major chunk of employees are Ukrainians. I suppose having employees that are cool with being paid less than a dollar per hour while your customers are in US and pay you US prices is an awesome business model. Or so it was until the last few weeks when, apparenty, 3/4 of Ukrainian employees just ceased working completely citing the extreme circumstances and now the whole business is kind of falling apart. So yesterday it was announced that our employer is planning to organize evacuation for the employees. They will send buses to pick us up and transport us to the Romanian border. That's about it, you get dropped out there, get some help with your documents, and then you can go wherever and fend for yourself.
This, on one hand is an awesome offer. But on the other, my city wasn't that heavily affected yet, and if I leave it would be basically me accepting permanent homelessness. There is no way I can afford housing other than a tent that is provided for free anywhere in Europe with my salary, because I was barely making ends meet here in Ukraine. Even in a best case scenario when it all will be over quickly, if I go back to my hometown soon, I will still be homeless here - I will have to give up my current apartment (it's rented) for the reasons stated above (no way I can afford to keep paying for it AND to live in Europe with my salary), and considering the number of people that lost their home I can kind of expect a sharp spike in rent prices when I get back, which would leave me, once again, homeless.
So at the moment I have the following options:
- Turn down the evacuation offer, stay home, hope things remain relatively okay here, take an insane risk by doing so
- Evacuate, go to a refugee camp (where I probably wouldn't even be able to work), just see what happens, nothing good probably.
- Evacuate, screw over my employer by never returning to work, travel to the ocean (childhood dream), CTB at some beautiful location.
I am kind of inclined to pick option 3.
I also have two cats and I'm not sure what to do about them. I'd love to take them with me but I don't think I can find any place where I would be allowed to stay with them. I can stay behind for them, but I'm not sure I can protect them from war. I can look into the option of transporting them to Romania with me, then leaving them in a shelter somewhere where it's safe. It's really sad, but I think it's the best I can do for them.
Will have a call with my HR manager in about an hour, she'll discuss our options in more details...Shit this whole thing is hard.

It seems like getting out is a good call. What's going on there could last for a long time. I think you need to get to safety and have some time to think clearly without the stress of your situation affecting you. I see people escaping with pets often so I'm sure an accommodation can be found if you put them in a tote bag and bring them along.

 

[WhatDoesTheFoxSay?]

It seems like getting out is a good call. What's going on there could last for a long time. I think you need to get to safety and have some time to think clearly without the stress of your situation affecting you. I see people escaping with pets often so I'm sure an accommodation can be found if you put them in a tote bag and bring them along.

I second this. This conflict is not going to end any time soon. I think it's a good idea to leave first, give yourself a break, then plan what to do later. There are animal rescue groups (this video, 1:44) at the Ukraine-Romania border providing supplies and veterinary care for pets of refugees.

 

[DisillusionedDragon]

I agree with @PreussenBlueJay.

About your concerns: Most refugees do not have a salary at all at the moment, you do not have to pay for accommodation. You don't have to live in a tent.
And it's true that you probably wouldn't be able to work at first, but you wouldn't have to. People are donating things all over the place and offering places to stay, the government is doing the same and offering financial help as well. Of course I'm not an expert, but I think you don't need to worry about money so much right now.
Also, if you are able to work again, I'm fairly sure you would be able to get a better wage more appropriate for the place you live in and the cost of living there.
And there are indeed many refugees coming with their pets. And some people even especially offer places for people with pets. You wouldn't have to leave them behind as long as you can bring them with you somehow. I think people understand how important having/keeping your companions is, especially in a situation like this.

But yes, it certainly won't be easy. The journey will be filled with uncertainty, stress and anxiety and that probably will last a while. But to me you don't really sound like you want to ctb, so I'd agree and say: try to get out, sort your thoughts, wait a while, and then you can still decide if you want to end it or find a road you would want to go.

And my offer for hep still stands, so let me know if I can do anything for you.

Hugs,

 

[KimKevorkian]

You people who are in Europe, offering your assistance, is so wonderful. Thank you for showing the better part of what humans are capable. Shame on this DICK tator Putan. The world has too many of these despots. Time to storm the Bastille, roll out the guillotines!

 

[Sherri]

Russians are really near Kiev ladies and gentleman, now it's gonna become real. May they all be safe including the old lady I saw with nothing but her cat left.

 

[KimKevorkian]

You people who are in Europe, offering your assistance, is so wonderful. Thank you for showing the better part of what humans are capable. Shame on this DICK tator Putan. The world has too many of these despots. Time to storm the Bastille, roll out the guillotines!

 

[Sherri]

Europe is offering assistance? What Europe should be doing is boot some boots on the ground and help those soldiers.

 

[JustAMatterOfTime]

Europe is offering assistance? What Europe should be doing is boot some boots on the ground and help those soldiers.

What and start WW3? It's horrible but the far lesser of two evils at the moment.

 

[GrumpyFrog]

Hey guys.
Thanks for all the advice. No choice anyway, I guess. The whole evacuation option kinda went belly up.
They cannot let me cross the border because I don't have a passport.
Feeling super fucking gutted right now. Options are still being discussed but I don't want to get my hopes up anymore.

The electricity gets spottier and spottier and food gets harder to get. I don't like where this is going.

I found out someone really important for me is in the city. I was sure he left the country. No idea why he didn't. He could if he wanted to.
I really want to get back in touch. The reasons why we fell apart are so ridiculously irrelevant now. Looking for the right words.

Hope everyone is having a lovely day/night.

 

[My_name_is_Luka]

They cannot let me cross the border because I don't have a passport.

I don't really think that you need a passport. Who told you that bullshit?
All restrictions at the borders have been lifted:

Even without a visa or passport: Ukraine's neighbors open their borders to refugees

A widespread campaign to help those fleeing the war is underway

belsat.eu

 

[GrumpyFrog]

I don't really think that you need a passport. Who told you that bullshit?
All restrictions at the borders have been lifted:

The article you're sharing is correct - restrictions are lifted for Poland and Slovakia. I believe in Hungary too now.
But not Romania. And my employer is willing to transport us only to Romanian border.
So unless I'm going to walk for a couple hundred kms from Romanian to Polish border, there isn't much hope...

 

[My_name_is_Luka]

I don't think that they are going to refuse you, even if you don't have a passport.
There is a war. They have even accepted non-ukrainian immigrants in europe, even if they didn't have a visa for europe.
You can try to ask in the facebook page that I have given you some days ago (it's specifically for Romania):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/unitipentruucraina/
I can ask it for you, if you prefer.
I have also a colleague that has a family in Romania; I'm sure he can get all the info that you need

Read this:

Are you Ukrainian and want to come to Romania? Here’s what you need to know

If you’re a Ukrainian citizen trying to escape the Russian attacks and find refuge in Romania, we’ve made a short guide to help you better understand the national entry regulations or find accommodation, transport, and even a job once you’ve crossed the border. Where can I cross the...

www.romania-insider.com

It says that you don't need a passport. You have to ask for asylum.
Once you are in Romania, you can probably travel to other nations that have less strict requirements

 

[WrongPlaceWrongTime]

Once you are in Romania, you can probably travel to other nations that have less strict requirements

They'll have to wait a month though at the very least.

Those seeking asylum in Romania can't leave the country while their asylum claim is processed.

 

[callme]

I'd advise if any of the members are Bessarabs, they probably have families in Bulgaria they can go to, which I advise them to do, they will happily be received here. Overall it's a positive sentiment here towards partial bulgarians coming to what is at least partially, their home (irredentist kinda).

I have to say for a small country we've received 5000 refugees already, so I'm unsure if we can take more. I indeed live very close to the hotels in the nearby summer resort they are mostly sent to.

Note our economic and overall livelihood is a disaster and with astronomical prices I don't know how well is it going to turn out.

 

[DisillusionedDragon]

They cannot let me cross the border because I don't have a passport.

From the official website of the European Union: (https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/...ine/information-people-fleeing-war-ukraine_en)

If possible, please take valid travel documents with you when leaving. However, the lack of travel documents or medical documents (certificate of vaccination, COVID-19 test) should not be an obstacle to entering the EU.


All EU countries bordering Ukraine are allowing entry to all people fleeing war in Ukraine on humanitarian grounds regardless of whether or not you have a biometric passport. This applies also to children. If you have Ukrainian nationality and a biometric passport, you can enter the EU by presenting your passport at the border. For all the other cases, Member States will admit you on humanitarian grounds.

Also lot's of other helpful information. Don't give up so easily. You will not be denied entry because of a missing passport.

 

[whatevs]

Welp, there's a rather major update on my personal situation, not that I think anyone should care, but I'm just writing this down to sort out my thoughts (although if you have any feedback I appreciate it as usual).

My employer is not in Ukraine, our central office is in Boston, but a major chunk of employees are Ukrainians. I suppose having employees that are cool with being paid less than a dollar per hour while your customers are in US and pay you US prices is an awesome business model. Or so it was until the last few weeks when, apparenty, 3/4 of Ukrainian employees just ceased working completely citing the extreme circumstances and now the whole business is kind of falling apart. So yesterday it was announced that our employer is planning to organize evacuation for the employees. They will send buses to pick us up and transport us to the Romanian border. That's about it, you get dropped out there, get some help with your documents, and then you can go wherever and fend for yourself.
This, on one hand is an awesome offer. But on the other, my city wasn't that heavily affected yet, and if I leave it would be basically me accepting permanent homelessness. There is no way I can afford housing other than a tent that is provided for free anywhere in Europe with my salary, because I was barely making ends meet here in Ukraine. Even in a best case scenario when it all will be over quickly, if I go back to my hometown soon, I will still be homeless here - I will have to give up my current apartment (it's rented) for the reasons stated above (no way I can afford to keep paying for it AND to live in Europe with my salary), and considering the number of people that lost their home I can kind of expect a sharp spike in rent prices when I get back, which would leave me, once again, homeless.
So at the moment I have the following options:
- Turn down the evacuation offer, stay home, hope things remain relatively okay here, take an insane risk by doing so
- Evacuate, go to a refugee camp (where I probably wouldn't even be able to work), just see what happens, nothing good probably.
- Evacuate, screw over my employer by never returning to work, travel to the ocean (childhood dream), CTB at some beautiful location.
I am kind of inclined to pick option 3.
I also have two cats and I'm not sure what to do about them. I'd love to take them with me but I don't think I can find any place where I would be allowed to stay with them. I can stay behind for them, but I'm not sure I can protect them from war. I can look into the option of transporting them to Romania with me, then leaving them in a shelter somewhere where it's safe. It's really sad, but I think it's the best I can do for them.
Will have a call with my HR manager in about an hour, she'll discuss our options in more details...Shit this whole thing is hard.

Where are you located? Perhaps the war will be over before there is need for military action in your area.

 

[GrumpyFrog]

It says that you don't need a passport. You have to ask for asylum.

But isn't asylum only for people from specific social groups that are particularly persecuted in their home country?
I'm sorry if I'm being dense lately and it is becoming frustrating. I really don't mean to get on anyone's nerves.
Maybe I can enter Romania after all. Not get any further, but at least this far...Too bad, I really wanted to see the ocean before I die.

Where are you located? Perhaps the war will be over before there is need for military action in your area.

Too close to Russian border to have much hope for that.
I don't know...I had a feeling this will be over really fast, but now I'm not too sure. Wish there was any way to predict that, but situation is really super unpredictable.

 

[My_name_is_Luka]

But isn't asylum only for people from specific social groups that are particularly persecuted in their home country?

you are a persecuted group, no one will put that into doubt!
In the website that I have given you they write:

<<
A map of the border points between Romania and Ukraine and real-time waiting times can be checked on the website of the Romanian Border Police - here.
Plus, for further details, you can call +40219590 - the help-line activated by the Romanian Border Police, available in the Ukrainian language.

There is a public group on Facebook where people offer various solutions to Ukrainian pet owners coming to Romania (such as foster or accommodation).
>>

Check the website. It's full of links and information that you need.

Are you Ukrainian and want to come to Romania? Here’s what you need to know

If you’re a Ukrainian citizen trying to escape the Russian attacks and find refuge in Romania, we’ve made a short guide to help you better understand the national entry regulations or find accommodation, transport, and even a job once you’ve crossed the border. Where can I cross the...

www.romania-insider.com

If the condition in your town is deteriorating, start collecting all the info that you need for your evacuation. And start contacting volunteers, so that they can assist you.
If you need us to help you to find some specific info, write us your questions and we will help to find what you need!

 

[GrumpyFrog]

you are a persecuted group, no one will put that into doubt!

Maybe you're right...I'll get in touch with my HR about it again on Monday. Maybe she just missed something. I hope it's not the case where they just don't want to take me like my family...
Thank you so much for your help! Once again, sorry for me being a dumbass. I guess my brain turns to mush in stressful situations.

Well, Romania doesn't have an ocean, but it does have an exit to the sea. Dying on a seashore is also not too bad. Too bad it's not summer...

 

[My_name_is_Luka]

If she does not help, send her that website. There is also the phone number for the help line, if she does not believe you. Or, again, write to the ppl on facebook. I have seen many offering a free accomodation; since you are alone, it is easier than hosting a family!

About dying: you should not think about that as a consequence to this war. You don't want that the russian orcs win over you.
Even if you get relocated to another country, if you're lucky to find someone that helps you, you might experience the warmth of people, a different life, and less loneliness. You might bring somethng to their life, and they will bring something to yours.

 

[GrumpyFrog]

I have seen many offering a free accomodation; since you are alone, it is easier than hosting a family!

I feel horrible about this. There are so many mothers with children in a desperate need of help. I feel like helping me instead of them would be a total waste of resources. My life wasn't really going to go anywhere to begin with. Someone else can take my place. I just want to see normal world again, I wasn't ready for things to go this way. Not ready at all.
The clock strikes 12. I don't get the reply from the last person I care about that I hoped I could help.
I can't really help the army and I'm way too sick to do much work to help anyone else. I can't do anything with this giant monster that came up and ate milliions of lives.
I am beginning to accept this is game over.
I guess I will take myself to one of the borders. For ther sake of bringing my cats to safety and leaving them in foster care somewhere where they aren't going to starve or die under rubble. Shit. Even animals fall victim of our pathetic human bullshit. That is about as much as I can manage to do.
If Romania works out, I'll visit Bucharest, it seems to be a beautiful city. And then head for the seashore.
I think I can get SN over the border if I'm creative - people aren't being searched super thoroughly right now anyway. Gotta think of an alternative method if SN fails. Something you don't need your own place for.
I'm never going to turn 30.
I love life, but I'm just not particularly keen on sheer survival. Or on fighting a fight that cannot be won. I am not that much of an optimist. The last optimistic part of me died when my "there isn't going to be a war, he isn't that insane" prognosis fell through.
It's the grand finale and then roll credits.

 

[My_name_is_Luka]

come on, stop it. I know it is a bad situation. And you have all the rights to be depressed about it!
But you are young, and alone. You speak a perfect english. There will be many people that will offer you help. And probably you will find people that will listen to you, your troubles, your depression; even those who would have not listened to you before.
Haven't you seen how many elderly people with mobility problems evacuated?

Make a plan:
- how to reach the border, apply for asylum, find someone that can host you
- know how long you can stay there, if you can reach another country, which place you prefer to reach (consider also costs in each city)
- collect some info on which kind of assistance is offered in different cities to refugees, and if you can find a short term employment
I'm sure that soon there will be many offers to refugees. There are many like you and europe needs to adapt to that.

You will get to know new people, their language, their culture. And new places.

If you find a good person and a nice city, you will not dislike this experience.
I have relocated twice in my life and I can say that in the first year the changement in your life makes you feel enthusiastic, even if you have to go through some hardship.

 

[My_name_is_Luka]

One more website that might be helpful:

Ukraine Take Shelter

Housing for Ukrainian Refugees. UkraineTakeShelter.com is an independent platform connecting Ukrainian refugees with potential hosts and housing.

www.ukrainetakeshelter.com

here you can find people that host ukrainians refugees

 

[GrumpyFrog]

@My_name_is_Luka thank you so much!

 

[GrumpyFrog]

The evacuation bus provided by our employer can only take 16 people. There are 22 employees living in Eastern Ukraine. Impressive.
I gave up my spot to someone who actually doesn't want to die. I guess I can see upsides to dying at home.
I'm sick of the news and I expect nothing to come out of there. I'm watching the Simpsons while I'm working, and I'm working nearly 24/7, maybe with 2-3 hours for sleep and other necessities a day. I am being pressured to work even harder but that just isn't humanly possible and I do not care anymore, they can fire me and hire someone from a country where there isn't a war if they want to. I am too traumatized and numb to care about that.
If things keep to the baseline the way they do now, I'd use Simpsons as a sort of a measuring stick. I can watch 2 seasons a day, but it's a really long show, isn't it? If I don't see any hopeful ways out by the time I'll get to whatever the last season is, I'd quit my job myself and will start immediate preparations to CTB. If things turn to the worse it might be earlier then that - if electricity goes I'm willing to wait it out until my phone and both powerbanks run out of charge, and if food will become really scarce or there is an actual risk of being taken hostage or if my apartment gets hit with anything I'm giving up immediately.
I woke up to air raid sirens 20 minutes after going to bed today and I'm just too exhausted to care. I just pulled the blanket over my head and continued to sleep.
I have no idea what positive turn of events I'm even waiting for. I simply don't know what scenario within the realm of possibility could make it better. But I'd wait it out for a little bit more anyway.
Sorry for diaring all over the place. Have a nice day, folks.

 

[My_name_is_Luka]

@Nessie your employer is an asshole if he has left behind 6 employees. Aren't there any other ways to get evacuated?
If you need more support, I and maybe others are willing to search for the resources that you need and if there are other ways to get you out.
But letting you think about committing suicide as an escape route from the crimes committed by a crazy president is not an option.
If you want to interact with us also privately and need support, write us.

Right now the UK has offered many support plans to refugees. Families that host refugees are paid by the government. You have access to the national health system and other public services. I believe that this will be offered in other countries too. It's not the end; maybe it's a chance

 

[DisillusionedDragon]

Oh Nessie. I can't imagine there isn't room for six more people in that fricking bus. This is not some holiday trip this is an emergency evacuation. It shouldn't matter that there are less seats than people or whatever, that's ridiculous. Stand up for yourself, you deserve a good life and not some forced emergency suicide.

 

[My_name_is_Luka]

@Nessie
As i predicted, I have found some links from companies that offer jobs and relocation to ukrainian refugees.

you can write to the contacts given on the website and ask if they would help also to relocate you from where you are now.
Don't give up; there could be so many opportunities worth to try