Krystina Tulchynska (left) and Anya Vozniak (right). (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Sharing Their Story

Ukrainians in P.A. discuss leaving home country, living in community

Aug 25, 2022 | 5:00 PM

Two women who fled Ukraine and are now living in Prince Albert are sharing their stories during what’s become the toughest times of their lives.

The community is currently home to 24 families and several people who came by themselves after Russia invaded their home country back in February.

The first people to arrive showed up in late spring and over the summer and the number has grown immensely.

Krystina Tulchynska

Krystina Tulchynska (right) with fellow Ukrainian refugees and P.A. residents. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

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Tulchynska moved to P.A. back in May.

The 30-year-old came alone, leaving her parents behind. Her dad isn’t allowed to leave as all men who are at least 18 years old have been ordered to stay in the country, while her mom had no desire to leave her husband behind.

The first couple of months in P.A. have been busy for Tulchynska. She recently got a job at Mr. Mikes Steakhouse and is in the process of getting her full driver’s license.

In a case of perfect timing, she got a health card just before she ended up fracturing her arm after falling off a scooter.

“I’m really thankful for your medical system, it works great,” she joked.

The first thing Tulchynska does when waking up is call her mom. Due to time zones, she usually calls during the evening in Ukraine.

“If she doesn’t pick up the phone, I start getting nervous,” said Tulchynska.

Updates about Ukraine are something she can’t avoid. Whether she’s watching TV or scrolling through social media, there’s a bit of anxiety as she wonders if she’ll see a story about a loved one passing away. Unfortunately, she’s already lost two of her closest friends.

“I wish for no one to have this experience, to feel these feelings.”

Despite experiencing the toughest time of her life, Tulchynska remains upbeat. Canada, specifically P.A. and its residents, have played a huge part in that.

“The people here are really kind, open-minded… and Ukrainians are the same, I can’t separate Ukrainians and Canadians.”

Tulchynska plans on staying in the community for the foreseeable future. She still wants to go back to see her family and friends but understands that Canada is her new home.

Anya Vozniak

Anya Vozniak (middle) with friends in P.A. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

The 25-year-old and her 18-year-old brother David have been in P.A. since the beginning of June.

The two left just before David turned 18 as he would have been forced to stay in the country along with their dad and their other brother.

Adjusting to her new life has been anything but easy for Vozniak.

“It’s not easy being here, it’s really far from family and sometimes I have some fears and worry,” she said.

She made it clear this has nothing to do with the community and the people she’s interacted with over the past couple of months.

“I really like the people who want to help with anything, it’s really encouraged me.”

Vozniak doesn’t know what the future holds for her and her family. One part wants to return to Ukraine, but another part wants her parents and other brother to come live with them here in P.A.

Unfortunately, there’s no timeline on when she’ll get an answer to that question.

“It’s the first time in my life that I don’t know what’s going to happen next.”

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertNOW