Liudmilla (fictional name), Ukrainian, has lived in Italy for several years. With the worsening of the situation in her country, she decided to volunteer for the reception of refugees, her compatriots, upon their arrival in the Peninsula. She asked to keep her identity hidden because these are the rules of the association with which she works, she too must remain anonymous. Like Liudmilla, there are many who choose to go to help refugees on the Italian border: they receive a daily subsidy, a room in a hotel to stay in exchange for their contribution. But every week the change is obligatory, because «the emotions would be too strong to bear for a long time: they send us back home to“ decompensate ”. After weeks they call us back and we can choose to return ».
You are in Trieste, the city that represents the arrival point, after days of suffering, for the many fleeing on the buses of various Italian non-profit organizations. They are mainly women and children. «Before, 8-10 people arrived a day with 20-40 people on board. Now that humanitarian corridors are less safe, they have diminished. Indeed, even for Orthodox Easter many have decided to return to Ukraine. Therefore there are also buses returning », Liudmilla testifies, immediately highlighting the pride of her people. «The girls and ladies are all desperate, but beautiful: pride can be seen in their eyes. From one day to the next they were thrown out of their country: they only think about returning to Ukraine and getting their lives back. “
The welcome is generous and covers every need. In addition to the police, the various associations that provide help are present, the civil service, ambulances and clinics: «They have organized a service with tents in which all good things are found. Food, drinks, doctors, psychologists. To me, who arrived in Italy when communism was still there, it is impressive, even today, to be able to see so many gifts offered to others. An unimaginable wealth. It is explained to them that with a Ukrainian passport you can travel for free on all trains and public transport in Italy. And that Wind gives the possibility of having a card with a free telephone number. Yet, as soon as they arrive, no one wants to get off the bus ». Because? “At first they say and repeat that they are fine, that they don’t need anything. In reality they are tired and hungry, of course. It is a reaction dictated by pride and the desire not to be a burden: it was certainly not their intention to go to Italy, quite the contrary “. So what? «Initially I get on the bus and in Ukrainian obviously I explain to them the rights they have in Italy and the welcome that will be reserved for them. Then I invite everyone to come down to refresh and rest a little from the journey ». And does something happen? “Not now. They remain seated, no one complains and says she would like to get off. At that point I put it down a little harder: I tell them that they are obliged to leave the bus temporarily, which is a practice to follow. Because I know it’s not true that they don’t need anything: it can’t be true. “
They then get out and walk: they take a walk, agree to cool off and eat something. Only after a few hours some want to talk: «Among them just 20% have no idea where to go after these first days: these people will then be accompanied to reception centers. In general, however, most have relatives or friends already present in Italy or Europe to reach. What is devastating are the tales of what is happening in Ukraine: almost every woman arrives with a baby. Even though it is often not hers: when someone leaves for a humanitarian corridor, they are entrusted to take them to safety. They are also delivered to the drivers: they give them the name and address of the person to send it to once in Italy ». But it does not always happen: in the general confusion the indications are lost or ignored and then the children are entrusted to UNICEF, or to other organizations, remaining there for days. They are fed, they play, but it is not known if they will ever reach their references and what will become of them.
Liudmilla’s voice becomes more anguished, her thoughts turn to the stories she has heard of the women who arrived in Italy. «The man lets himself be manipulated, he carries out hallucinating cruelties. Russian soldiers rape the little ones in front of their mothers. They are all going mad with pain. ‘
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