The lives of Ukrainian refugees are often accompanied by emotional trials and the search for a balance between safety and longing for their homeland. Vlada, a Ukrainian who shared her story on social media, has gone through a challenging adaptation process after moving to Spain, marked by disappointments and repeated attempts to find her place abroad.
This is reported by Finway
First Experience of Emigration and Returning Home
For the first time, the girl moved to Spain with her parents in 2023. However, her stay in the country lasted only four months. According to her, her relationship with Spain was “as passionate as Spain itself.” Vlada admits that she left this country three years ago, despite its appealing climate and unique atmosphere. At that time, she was unable to appreciate the advantages of living abroad, as she constantly compared them to Ukrainian realities.
“In Ukraine, everything was better — the people, the familiar rhythm, style and rules of life, good service, rapid development in all areas, and a fast pace of life,” Vlada shares.
After returning to Ukraine, the girl enjoyed her familiar surroundings for two years, feeling that she was in her place. However, the war changed her views on life and safety.
Returning to Spain and a New Perspective on Emigration
Changes in perception occurred after a short visit to her parents, who remained in Spain. Upon returning to Odesa in early summer 2025, Vlada felt a strong contrast in the level of safety. She notes that it was only then that she understood the difference between living in a peaceful place, where the sounds of planes or fireworks do not evoke fear, and the reality in Ukraine, where anxiety has become part of daily life. Vlada acknowledged that she had not felt such intense fear for her life even at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, and memories of her peaceful life in Spain only intensified her feelings of helplessness. The girl could not leave Ukraine immediately due to personal relationships.
The decision to return to emigration came quickly as soon as it became possible. A key factor was the law that allowed men under 22 to leave the country. Together with her boyfriend, Vlada packed her things in one day and headed to Moldova, and from there to Spain. They have now been living in Spain for five months. According to the girl, this time she perceives life in this country differently and calls Spain “the best of all the places she has lived.”