In their 17th consecutive Christmas together, Dutch couple Igor and Galina find themselves grappling with an unimaginable dilemma. For the past decade and a half, the Apeldoorn-based pair have been forced to spend their holidays separated from their family, unable to return to their home country of Ukraine due to war and unrest.
"It’s painful, it’s lonely," says Igor, his voice heavy with emotion. "We miss our family, our traditions. This year, it’s especially difficult because our youngest turned five, and we couldn’t be there to celebrate with him."
Galina nods in agreement, her eyes welling up with tears. "We’ve only ever spent one Christmas with him. It’s heartbreaking. I feel so guilty as a mother that I’m not there for him, that he doesn’t have his parents by his side."
The war in Eastern Ukraine, which erupted in 2014, has forced countless families like Igor and Galina’s into exile, scattered across Europe and beyond. While many have found temporary refuge in the Netherlands, the uncertainty and separation make each holiday season a challenge.
Adding to their pain is the feeling of isolation and even shame they confess to experiencing in their new home. "I’m Dutch by nationality now," Igor says, "but I feel like I’ve been abandoned. I feel like I’m letting my family down, and I’m ashamed that my country hasn’t done more to help."
Galina echoes his sentiments, adding that the lack of support and understanding from their adopted country has been deeply hurtful. "We’ve been here so long, and yet no one seems to understand our pain. We just want to be with our family," she says, her voice trembling.
Their story is a stark reminder of the human cost of war, a reality often lost in the political rhetoric and distant headlines. As families gather around tables laden with food and gifts this Christmas, Igor and Galina will once again be separated from theirs, their hearts aching for the love and comfort of home.
For them, Christmas will be a painful reminder of what they’ve lost, and the harsh reality that their fight for peace is far from over. Yet, despite their pain, they hold onto hope, waiting for the day they can return to Ukraine and be reunited with their loved ones.
"We just want to go home," Igor says, a faint smile playing on his lips. "To hear my mother’s voice again, to feel the love of my family. Because no matter where we are, home is where our hearts are, and our hearts are with them."
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