Friendship across borders: How two women from the war found each other

Friendship across borders: How two women from the war found each other

in Rüdersdorf, a small community in the Märkisch-Oderland district, two women in the middle of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia have made a remarkable friendship. Jeva, a Ukrainian from Tschornomorsk near Odessa, and Aleksandra, a Russian resident in Kiev, met at a welcome meeting for refugee Ukrainians. Both fled to Germany three years ago after Russia's attack on Ukraine and have since shared their fate as refugees.

This war connects them as they master the difficult circumstances together. Her daughters were temporarily classmates, which further consolidated the contact between the two women. Regular bike tours and restaurant visits show how a friendship can thrive under such adverse conditions.

an open exchange about war and peace

A particularly touching aspect of her friendship is the ability to openly discuss the war. Aleksandra and Jeva do without evil words and instead face opposing perspectives. Aleksandra Russia sees Russia, especially from the West, especially NATO, while Jeva sees the territorial interests as the main reason for war. Both women have family in Ukraine, they regularly exchange information about current rocket attacks and pursue developments in their home country with great concern.

The dark situation is also reinforced by its shared feelings about the peace negotiations in the United States. Both women have little hopes in these conversations; Especially when it comes to the question of possible regional abductions, they are on different sides. Aleksandra is talking that Ukraine should not become part of NATO, whereas Jeva thinks that is necessary.

life in Germany

Regardless of the conflicts at home, both women have started integration in Germany. Aleksandra is now an accountant and learns German, while Jeva is waiting for her recognition as a primary school teacher. Their living conditions reflect a broader reality: in Germany there are now over 1.25 million refugees from Ukraine, around 83% of which live in private accommodation. In this regard, the high proportion of women among adult refugees, which is around 62%, and the proportion of around 359,000 children under the age of 18, many of whom have already attended school.

On the hoped -for return to Ukraine, both women agree: Even if the war ends, they do not want to return to their home country because they have gained a foothold in Germany. According to current figures, many Ukrainian refugees have now integrated into the German labor market - around 306,600 have found jobs. This is an encouraging development, especially against the background of the legal protection status, which is valid until 2027, and which gives them access to social benefits and education.

Jeva and Aleksandra are not only symbolic figures of the war and the flight, but also an example of what can arise in difficult times: friendship, understanding and the will to find a new home despite all the adversities. Its history shines like a light beam in these dark times, a memory that human connection is possible even across borders.

This article illuminates the challenges and successes of Ukrainian refugees in Germany and notes that the agreement on the need for integration and bridges build, even in an environment characterized by conflicts, is anything but unrealistic. These findings also show the current reality of the refugees, who affects many of us and whose fate affects the heart of social discourse. Support offers are necessary, since according to the BAMF until 2024 the regulations for third -country -state belongings will be tightened, which means that many are without the necessary protection status.