We use cookies on this website. By continuing to use this site without changing your cookie settings, you agree that you are happy to accept our privacy policy and for us to access our cookies on your device.
Transcript/ScriptTV Ukraine Children’s Trauma - Mendoza
HEAD: Trauma and Shattered Dreams, War Impacts Ukrainian Children
TEASER:
PUBLISHED AT: 04/21/2022 at 11:30am
BYLINE: Celia Mendoza
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Przemysl, Poland)
VIDEOGRAPHER: Celia Mendoza
PRODUCER: Cristina Caicedo Smits,
VIDEO SOURCE (S): All VOA
PLATFORMS: (mark with X): WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
SCRIPT EDITORS: BR, sv
TRT: 2:25
VID APPROVED BY: MAS
UPDATE:))
((INTRO))
[[Explosions, death, displacement, and fear. The Russian invasion of Ukraine will have long-term consequences for Ukrainians and especially for the many children that have been uprooted from their when their families had to flee the fighting. VOA’s Celia Mendoza has more from a refugee center in Poland.]]
((NARRATOR))
Innocent Ukrainian children play in refugee centers, far from home. At a tender age, they have heard and felt the sounds of a war they can’t yet understand.
((Maksim Osadchyi, 7-Year-Old Ukrainian Refugee)) ((IN UKRAINIAN))
“I heard a lot of explosions, it was difficult to go by train, we heard sirens and problems. I am very scared. I want to tell everyone that it's better to stay at home or go to the basement.”
((NARRATOR))
Uprooted from their homes, these children feel safe in Poland. Young Maksim, who is from Odesa, is aware of why they had to flee.
((Maksim Osadchyi, 7-Year-Old Ukrainian Refugee)) ((IN UKRAINIAN))
“On February 24th, I heard three explosions and we had an air alarm, and then the normal one. After a week, two or three, they started bombing again. It's been about three days, two, I don't know, and then we all stocked up on food and water.”
((NARRATOR))
As children arrived at the Polish border, some are carrying emotional scars over what they have seen and lived through.
((Iskander Gasanov, Ukranian Teen Refugee)) ((IN UKRAINIAN))
“In some places they fired a lot of rockets, the planes flew over us. In our region, they shot down a plane and everything. And in the other regions tanks were coming, they were shelling buildings.”
((NARRATOR))
While it may be difficult for younger children to express themselves, some wistfully share their loss.
((Mark Sadnyk, Ukrainian Refugee Child) ((IN UKRAINIAN))
“I left a cat in Ukraine, also my grandparents stayed there. I went to music school, played basketball. I can play the piano. I am talented.”
((NARRATOR))
Some look forward to a new future in another country, others yearn to return home.
((Maksim Osadchyi, 7-Year-Old Ukrainian Refugee)) ((IN UKRAINIAN))
“I want to go back home. That’s where my cat Vishenka and my dogs are. They miss me there. But our path turned out to be very difficult.”
((NARRATOR))
Seemingly wise beyond his years, Maksim has developed a sense of patriotism caused by the Russian invasion.
((Maksim Osadchyi, 7-Year-Old Ukrainian Refugee in)) ((IN UKRAINIAN))
“I want to be a military man because I want to protect our land.”
((NARRATOR))
The destruction and ordeal that children like Maksim have endured – along with their parents – are likely to shape their lives forever.
((Celia Mendoza, VOA News, Przemysl, Poland))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
