Nastia Podorozhniaya, a 24-year-old Ukrainian, helps Ukrainian refugees in Poland by founding an organization called Martinka. After the announcement of Vladimir Putin's special military operation in Ukraine, she decided to return to her country to assist her family. With her experience living in Poland, she has been able to help women and children refugees entering the country.
Challenges in Assisting Refugees
The money and food provided to refugees at the border sometimes lead to the exploitation of these vulnerable individuals. Podorozhniaya points out that in the first weeks after the attack, conditions were such that some people easily trusted volunteers. The Martinka organization, named after her little niece, has received over 5,000 requests for help since its establishment in March 2022, with about 100 new requests each month.
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Personal Experience and Motivation to Help Others
Nastia has found greater motivation to help others due to a bitter experience she had in the past. She was assaulted during her studies in Krakow, and this experience has helped her assist refugees with greater empathy. She currently has a small team that provides psychological and legal support in various languages to women and children refugees.
However, the reduction of financial aid from international organizations and increased competition for funding has put significant pressure on the Martinka team. Podorozhniaya says, "Now Ukraine is no longer in the headlines, and international attention has shifted elsewhere."
Furthermore, changes in laws and rising anti-Ukrainian sentiments in Poland have made conditions tougher for refugees. Reports indicate an increase in hate crimes against Ukrainians in Poland, and we are witnessing heightened tensions between the two countries. In May, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's decision to name a military unit after the Ukrainian Revolutionary Army elicited negative reactions in Poland.
Despite these challenges, Nastia Podorozhniaya continues her work and hopes to assist refugees. She says, "Despite all the problems, I still hope that we can continue our work and help Ukrainian refugees in this country."
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