Woman that worked with Lancaster Uni now living in basement in Ukraine

As reported by the Lancaster Guardian, a Ukrainian woman who previously worked with Lancaster University is now living in war-torn Ukraine.

Larisa Nikitenko worked with the university on a project to bring wireless broadband to Slavutych, the city she now lives in after moving from Chernihiv.

Larisa is still in touch with her former college, Vince Hart, who lives in Bolton-le-Sands.

Vince was a socio-economic development consultant to the Ukrainian government from 2003 until 2009.

While speaking to a reporter from the Guardian, Larisa revealed that she is currently camped in a basement, which she shares with more than 100 other people.

She said, “Residential areas, hospitals, boiler houses, and a water utility are fired upon by aviation and heavy artillery”. She went on to tell the Guardian that while Slavutych has not yet been targeted, her hometown of Chernihiv has been heavily affected by hostility.

33 civilians from Larisa’s hometown were killed, with many more wounded. There has also been bombing of schools and energy infrastructure.

Slavutych was built to house evacuated residents of Chernobyl after the nuclear disaster in 1986. However, due to a lack of infrastructure, the town’s economic growth has halted.

Vince and Larisa worked together to bring high-tech wireless broadband to Slavutych. Lancaster University supported this government-funded initiative.

Larisa described the current situation in Slavutych, saying that sirens are constantly going off and everyone living there can hear the explosions from Chernihiv. While Slavutych has not yet been bombed, the roads into the city are mined so people cannot get in or out.

She mentions that there are volunteers currently bringing milk and distributing it to people for free but says that due to the lack of fuel at the moment, this will not be able to carry on for much longer.

While medicines are running out and people are in grave danger, the spirits are still high in Slavutych. They all remain positive for the sake of one another. They love their county and don’t want to leave.

Larisa works for the Slavutych City Council and tries to help everyone as much as possible by looking for food and medicine needed in her city.

She describes how proud she is of her country and how all the people rally around to protect their beloved homeland. People are ready to defend their country with trenches, cocktails, and defences; she believes Ukraine will come out the other side due to this.

It is clear the patriotic spirit of the Ukrainians cannot be touched, even during this horrific tragedy. Everyone is terrified of what will happen next, but they continue to fight for their country and what they believe in.

She describes the Russians’ actions as “inhumane” and a “genocide” and believes they “must pay” for the lives they’ve ruined and stolen from innocent civilians.

Larisa concluded with a statement of thanks to other countries showing support; she said: “Thank you for your help to all countries that support Ukraine, including Great Britain. With your help, we will stand!”

Related articles recommended by this writer

• ‘It’d be interesting to start my dating journey on TV’: Lancs students star in Squad Dates

• Lancaster’s Grand Theatre to be visited by paranormal investigators

• Lancaster UCU to take part in third round of strikes this academic year