A good two years ago, Svitlana Bilous fled from Kiev to Freising with her two children. The 36-year-old taught botany at Kiev University. Her husband, who is now an officer in the Ukrainian army, also worked at the university and was a professor of life and environmental sciences, like Bilous SZ told in November 2022. Through her job she came into contact with Professor Carsten Lorz from the University of Weihenstephan. Thanks to him, Svitlana Bilous has been able to live on campus with her eleven-year-old son Mikhailo and her 15-year-old daughter Sofia ever since. The SZ asked how the family is doing now.
What has changed in your life since the conversation in November 2022?
Last summer, my Ukrainian bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees were recognized by the Central Office for Foreign Education. Since October I have officially been able to work part-time at the Faculty of Forestry in Weihenstephan as a research assistant and am part of the master’s program “Climate Change Management”, which is a new research area for me. I’m very happy about that, I have the best colleagues. They are a great support to me, forgiving and very inspiring.
I am trying very hard to learn the German language and have already successfully reached the B1 language level. I also passed the “Living in Germany” test. Although that’s enough for everyday things, like shopping or making small talk, it’s not enough for my work at the university. In order to be able to converse there in technical language in German, I still need some practice. So I continue to attend language courses regularly. I still live with my children in the same apartment provided to us by the university. We are happy with what we have and grateful that we have a home here.
How are your children?
My children have integrated well and they are also getting better at the German language. Sofia is in the tenth grade at the business school in Freising. She studies a lot and does athletics or goes to the gym in her free time. Mikhailo is now in the fifth grade at a secondary school in Freising. He gets along well with his classmates and plays soccer and guitar. It’s easier for him than for Sofia to cope with our new living situation. He just didn’t notice that much back then. However, there are days when he comes to me and asks a lot of why questions, like “Mom, why did it have to happen to us and why can other children grow up normally?” We talk a lot and I am open with the children. But I don’t want to have to tell them every day how terrible the situation is in our home country at the moment. However, because of school and their leisure activities, they don’t have that much time to brood and be sad. I am very proud of them for handling our new living situation so well.
And how are you doing yourself?
Each of us processes events in our own way. I distract myself a lot with work. Of course, it hurts inside me that there is still war going on, but I mostly suppress that and just try to stay strong. I’m slowly getting used to my new life, the German structures. In my opinion, Germans are very cultured and understanding. Ukraine is and will always remain a part of me.
Is there any hope of returning to your home country?
I have now accepted that our stay in Germany is not short-term and have realized that there is no point in waiting for the war to end soon. Of course, it wasn’t easy to get used to the new surroundings. But now I’m just trying to look forward positively and make the best of my new life. Many families have broken up and lost their loved ones. We too have experienced loss in the family. My cousin died in the war this summer. But it must continue. The focus must be on what will hopefully be a better future.
When was the last time you saw your husband and how is he?
He is stationed in Bakhmut as an officer. We always try to stay in touch. Unfortunately we don’t get to talk on the phone every day, but at least I get a sign of life from him every day. In May 2023 I was in Kiev with my children for a week. That’s where we met him. The situation was quite tense, I couldn’t calm down for fear that there would be an attack. Nothing happened, but I could hardly sleep at night. In August my husband visited us in Freising. He was released from the army for two weeks. We had a good time together until he had to go back to Ukraine. I miss him a lot, especially on the days when everything gets too much for me, I would like to have him with me. After almost two years at the front, he is very exhausted. I think it would be good if the officers could be replaced more often so that they can get some rest. Despite all his efforts, he always tells me that he will not give up and will continue to defend his country. It is important to have the areas under control as much as possible and to get support from other countries.
What do you think about the fact that the Ukraine war is increasingly being pushed into the background in the media?
Since many areas of Ukraine are still being destroyed, people are dying and the situation on the front remains very difficult, I think it’s a shame that this isn’t being given much attention anymore. There are still regular bombings and air raids, and that should not be forgotten. Everyone has the right to a normal, happy life, especially children. Three weeks ago there was an attack on my son’s former school. Something like that is terrible.
What are your future prospects?
My greatest wish is to be reunited with my family soon. No matter whether in Ukraine or in Germany. Until then, I’ll carry on, study, work and take care of my children. I also help Ukrainian refugees arrive in Germany and apply for documents for them with my limited knowledge of German. I get inspired every day and always try to maintain my happiness. I would like to thank everyone who supports me on my journey and appreciate all help.