**Scottish Ukrainians Face Uncertain Future**
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 changed the lives of many people, including a couple from Mariupol named Anatolii and Lidiia Kyrylov. They were forced to flee their home on foot, passing through 19 Russian checkpoints before reaching safety.
“We had no water,” Lidiia recalled. “We were collecting snow, melting it, and drinking it one sip at a time.” The couple’s home was also damaged in the attacks, leaving them with just one small potato per day to eat.
After fleeing Ukraine, Anatolii and Lidiia traveled to the UK and settled in Scotland. They are now facing an uncertain future as their visa extension scheme is due to expire soon.
“We have nowhere to go,” Anatolii said. “Mariupol is occupied. We have no home. But here in Scotland is our second home.”
**A Home Away from War**
More than 28,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Scotland since the Russian invasion three years ago. The UK government has announced a new visa extension scheme to allow them to remain in the country for another 18 months.
However, many Ukrainians are anxious about their future and may not want to return to Ukraine even when the conflict ends. Olha Karpets, a mother of two from western Ukraine, said she is worried about her daughter’s condition in Ukraine.
“We have no ramps in shops or transport,” she explained. “It’s impossible to compare life here and in Ukraine.”
**Concerns Over Student Futures**
The UK government’s visa extension scheme has raised concerns among students who may not be able to finish their courses if the scheme is not extended again. Employers are also worried about providing contracts for Ukrainians.
Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk from the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain said that uncertainty is causing anxiety among many Ukrainians.
**A Call for Certainty and Security**
The Scottish government has provided funding to support Ukrainian resettlement, but more needs to be done to provide certainty and security for those affected by the conflict. Anatolii Kyrylov’s words sum up the situation: “We want to stay here forever.”
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