a prolonged period of economic decline, the Ukrainian economy has begun showing signs of picking up in the last year. However, the benefits of the upturn are bound to take a long time to trickle down to the ordinary Ukrainians who have been endured extraordinary hardships in the years since independence. For many it is tempting to dream of escaping to make a new life in a more prosperous country. But quite apart from the difficulties of obtaining a permanent residence visa, there are deep-rooted ties that bind many Ukrainians to their long-suffering homeland. We asked Ukrainians if they would emigrate if they could easily obtain a visa for Western Europe or the U.S.
1. Nadia Kosak, pensioner, 65.
I would not hesitate. Because the political and economical situation is not improving and it is getting more and more difficult to live here. This country is like a prison, it is difficult to breath here.
2. Larysa Novikova, ad manager, 36.
I would definitely leave Ukraine. The reason is that there are no prospects for me or for my child.
3. Lydia Fedoseeva, pensioner, 68.
It is impossible to live in our country. The government has robbed us, and now the old people are dying of starvation and others are rummaging in the trash heaps in search for some food. And at the same time those who are ruling have millions. I get only Hr 90 [a month] while I have to pay Hr 120 just for my apartment. I do not even have the money to buy medicine.
4. Andry
| Andry Balan, designer, 28 |
Balan, designer, 28.
I would leave. Because in our country, you cannot get a loan from the state to start your own business, even if you are well educated and willing to work. The whole market situation here is ridiculous. For young energetic people there are no opportunities to achieve something here.
5. Anna Milokost, travel agent, 60.
No, I would not leave Ukraine. Because I have my children here and have a job and a home. My children are also settled down here.
6. Vadym Baranovsky, entrepreneur, 29.
No, I do not want to move somewhere else. I like it here.
7. Serhy Drozd, student, 20.
I do not think I would leave. In the first place, I have a lot of things to accomplish here. And then, my aunt went to the United State and now she writes letters saying that it is emotionally very difficult for her to live there. She does not like it
| Volodymir Stovtun, metro worker, 35 |
there even though she is financially secure.
8. Volodymir Stovtun, metro worker, 35.
I do not want to live abroad. I was born here and my home is here. I would not want to change the country of residence.
9. Mykola Lysko, pensioner, 64.
Leave Ukraine? There is no such country, it is simply rotten. The real Ukraine was during Leonid Brezhnev’s time. I would leave.
10. Maria Hovoruh, student, 17.
I would leave. Just look around, people are not paid their salaries and pensions and at the same time the authorities spend enormous sums on construction in the city. It only shows that our state does not care about its people.
