Women and children have always been victims of war and Ukraine’s conflict is no different. Yet the faces are markedly older in this crisis: 25% of Ukrainians are aged 60 or over, making this the world’s ‘oldest’ war.
We have been speaking to the older women fleeing the country to Moldova as they contemplate starting their lives all over again.
Anna, 73
© Israel Fuguemann / HelpAge International
“Trains were so crowded that people were clinging to the outsides and falling. I managed to find a place to sleep, while my daughter slept on our luggage. It was like the last days of Pompeii or the fall of Carthage.” Read Anna’s story.
Viktoria, 80
© Israel Fuguemann / HelpAge International
“My father named me ‘Viktoria’ for victory, anticipating a win over the Nazi invaders. Eight decades later and I am living the same moments over and over again through this war. I cannot believe this is happening again.” Read Victoria’s story.
Lyudmila, 87
© Sarah Pilchick / HelpAge International
“I want to see my husband Sasha again, but I have to go where my son goes. If he stays, I will stay. If he goes, I will go. But it never changes. I am so alone.” Read Lyudmila’s story.
Find out what we’re doing to help older people in Ukraine.