“A Chance I no longer believed in”: Yuliia’s journey to safety
My hometown, Melitopol, was occupied in the very first days of the full-scale invasion. The following years became the most difficult of my life. Zaporizhzhia endured almost daily rocket and drone attacks.
In May 2025, a drone hit the building next to mine. That moment became the turning point. I began searching for opportunities again and accidentally came across the USPUK website.
Yuliia’s Story: From Three Years of Fear to a New Beginning in the UK
In Yuliia’s own words:
My journey to the UK took more than three years, and even now it feels unreal that it finally became possible for me.
My hometown, Melitopol, was occupied in the very first days of the full-scale invasion. I lived there under occupation for three months before managing to escape to the nearest free city — Zaporizhzhia. The following years became the most difficult of my life. Zaporizhzhia endured almost daily rocket and drone attacks. We often had no electricity, slept in basements, and many times I came within a step of being caught in the middle of a strike.
I had no friends or family abroad who could help me relocate or adapt. The idea of leaving alone for an unknown country was terrifying. Over those years, I filled out countless forms on different websites, hoping to find a sponsor in the UK. But no one ever responded. Eventually, I stopped believing it would ever happen.
In May 2025, a drone hit the building next to mine. That moment became the turning point. I began searching for opportunities again and accidentally came across the USPUK website. I filled out the form once more — without any hope — but this time everything was different: Nadiia called me herself. And just a month later, the visa process began.
I am endlessly grateful to USPUK, and especially to Nadiia, for this chance. For their support at every stage. For their genuine desire to help and their attention to every detail. They don’t just match sponsors and guests — they do everything to ensure that both sides feel comfortable, understand each other, and even share common interests. That is exactly what happened in my case.
My sponsor, Claire, welcomed me with extraordinary warmth. She supported me from the very first minutes and made the transition into my new life in the UK so much easier. We are both positive, cheerful people, and we share one big love — animals. Her animals have become real therapy for me.
I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for the fact that, thanks to USPUK, I finally feel safe again. I am slowly returning to a normal, peaceful life. Thank you for everything.
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