The United Nations reports almost 7 million Ukrainians are refugees since the Russian invasion in February 2022.

Some of those displaced families have been supported here in San Diego County through the House of Ukraine.

Oksana Mushchenko and her husband Anatolii Bovtruk left Ukraine with their two sons as soon as the war with Russia began. Mick is now 16, and his younger brother, Mark, is 8.

“First, I am a mom for my sons, and I want to see a big, great future for them,” Oksana said. Since arriving with her family, she has gotten a job as a teacher’s assistant in a class for children with special needs. Her husband is retired.

The family saw reports from Friday’s summit in Anchorage with President Trump and Russian president Putin. They also remember the condemnation of Ukrainian president Zelensky in the Oval Office earlier this year.

“It’s so painful. It’s so scary, especially we know what happened with my president (in the Oval Office). Oh my god! It’s not equal. It’s not fair,” she said.

Mushchenko Family

Mushchenko Family

Oksana Mushchenko (with glasses) in this undated photo with her sons and their grandmother. It’s the last photo they took before leaving their home near Kiev in 2022.

The youngest son Mark has become fluent in English and is a successful third grade student who loves animals and insects. He cares for a hamster, turtle, large frog, and a tank of fish. “I want to be a zoologist when I grow up,” said.

M.G. Perez

M.G. Perez

Mark Mushchenko, 8, shows his hamster and one of the tanks with a pet turtle and goldfish, August 17, 2025. He is a third grade student with a passion for animals and insects.

The older brother Mick has done well in high school winning an award for his ability to learn English. His musical talent with a clarinet took him to New York’s Carnegie Hall with his school band. He also plays the guitar.

He is committed to service work for his community, and helped start the HPR Knights organization for young men who promote diversity in cultures while helping those in need.

“No matter how much sorrow or grief I have about my country, about my friends, at some point I still have to go forward. I have to do something,” Mick said.