[VIDEO] After fleeing Kyiv, Olya doesn’t know when she’ll see her parents again

Every Ukrainian refugee has a story to tell — including Olya.

Olya lived with her parents just east of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. But when she heard explosions in the distance, she knew their lives were about to change forever.

Olya and 2 million other refugees are running for their lives at this very moment. In fact, the U.N. just confirmed that “this is the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.”

That’s why your support is so critical. Just $35 is all it takes to provide a week’s worth of emergency aid like food, clean water, clothes, shelter, and more for a displaced person in Ukraine or another high-conflict area.

Watch the video to hear about Olya’s experience:

“I could feel the house shake with every bomb,” Olya said. “[Our family] would go to the bomb shelter constantly.”

Hearing Olya tell her story was heartbreaking. Not only did this college graduate have a successful career as an English teacher, but she also dreamed of working in photography and the arts someday.

Now, Olya isn’t sure what her future looks like.

Her father had to stay behind to help fight against the Russian troops. Her mother refused to leave. And Olya isn’t sure what shape her hometown will be in when she returns … or if she’ll ever be able to.

Her life is in limbo.

Just like Olya’s family, so many others have been separated because of the conflict in Ukraine. Women and children have fled to safe houses and crossed borders while the men they love are required to stay behind and defend their country if necessary against Russia’s violent attacks.

“We need support from other countries,” Olya said. “We’re fighting for democracy and freedom here. Without your support, this is too hard.”

Olya hopes this war will be over soon and prays her parents survive so they can be reunited one day.

Will you help refugees like Olya have a better chance of survival?

As you read this, families are cramming onto trains to escape the violence. Others are hiding underground in subway stations and inside churches. They’re afraid of what comes next … but your gift can make all the difference.

Every $35 you give will provide one week of lifesaving aid like food, clean water, shelter, and more for a displaced person in Ukraine or another high-conflict area.

Please give to help at least one person like Olya survive this crisis.

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