Facing invasion and abuse, vulnerable mothers take refuge in Kyiv shelter

A woman with a child and a dog walks past a partially collapsed apartment building on July 31, 2025. | REUTERS

AFP-JIJI

Aug 17, 2026

KYIV – At a mere mention of her son, Olena’s blue eyes lit up — a smile rediscovered after finding refuge from her violent ex-husband.

She and her toddler live in a shelter in Kyiv — an anonymous apartment building that since Russia invaded in 2022 has been taking in not only victims of domestic violence, but mothers and children forced to abandon their homes in eastern Ukraine.

Among them is Olena — name changed — who lost her job and moved to a European Union country at the start of the war.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information,
quality journalism is more crucial than ever.
By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.