MANDAN, N.D. (KFYR) – It’s been three years since the war in Ukraine started. Many Ukrainian refugees have come to our country in search of a better way of life.
Fourteen years ago in eastern Ukraine, Victoria Lyubchenko bought her very first camera.
It started as a hobby; she would snap pictures of family and friends. But she fell in love with the art and attended a school in Europe to learn more about photography.
“I love to catch the best side of people, and it’s just a moment, just to show everyone how their beauty is,” said Lyubchenko.
After her hometown became occupied by Russian forces three years ago, she and her family came to North Dakota and settled in Mandan, a journey filled with unfamiliarity and uncertainty.
“Small things like how you have gas at the gas station,” said Lyubchenko. “Because you don’t understand, really, it’s a little bit different.”
She doesn’t mind “different” because she says a person’s life could end in just one moment back home.
“For me, I am very happy to be here because it’s quiet place, and after war, after bombs, after drones, I have opportunity to have more quiet,” said Lyubchenko.
And in the quietness of Mandan, she found a community to support her, and managed to stay connected to her culture through her many friendships with other Ukrainian refugees in the area.
“I would like to show everyone that we still have a lot of part of beauty in our life,” said Lyubchenko.
Lyubchenko is uncertain how long she will stay here since her refugee status is temporary. Despite things being up in the air, she says snapping pictures keeps her grounded.
“In one sentence, so if you could put the last three years in one sentence, what would you say?” asked KFYR Reporter Ariana Gonzalez.
“I’m lucky,” she answered.
Lyubchenko has had her work featured in multiple exhibitions and magazine covers.
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