"We came with just two bags. But we carried a whole life in them."Lyudmyla’s story is one of unimaginable loss — and quiet, persistent strength.

A successful career, a close-knit family, a home built with love — all of it was swept away by war, occupation, and finally, by the devastating flood that followed the explosion of the Kakhovka dam. Her hometown of Oleshky was submerged, and her life turned upside down.

Lyudmyla and her family endured over a year of fear and uncertainty under occupation. When escape finally became possible, their journey took them through filtration and endless checkpoints — just to reach safety in Lithuania.

But her story does not end in loss.

Thanks to the support of volunteers and the Voices of Strength project, Lyudmyla found new strength through community, learning, and the power of sharing her truth. Today, she lives in Vilnius, works as a financial consultant, and continues to build a life rooted in dignity and hope.

Her story reminds us why the values of the European Union — human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights — are not just ideals. They are the foundation of a just society. And when these values are violated, as they were in her occupied hometown, the consequences are devastating — for people, for families, and for entire communities.

But as Lyudmyla shows us, voices can rise again.

And where voices are heard, healing and change begin.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. The European Union cannot be held responsible for them.

The project is funded by the EU through the Open Lithuania Foundation program “Verta”. #remiaALF #CERV