For Inna Biliaieva, the war in Ukraine is not just a distant memory.
“I was sitting in my house, and the doors were shaking from the bombing. You have a choice to stay—and probably will die—or go somewhere else,” Inna recalls.
November 19 marked 1,000 harrowing days of Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine, a conflict that has taken over 70,000 civilian lives, displaced more than 8 million people globally, and destroyed thousands of homes and critical infrastructure. Among those affected is Inna Biliaieva, who fled the bombings in Zaporizhzhia, facing the agonizing decision to leave her homeland.
Today, she lives in Kitchener, where she helps fellow Ukrainian refugees as a volunteer coordinator for Grassroots Response.
“Wherever I will be, I will find Ukrainian refugees to help,” she says, turning her pain into purpose.
Inna reflects on the resilience of her people, inspired by those in Ukraine who face unimaginable odds.
“From the beginning, you could see the bravery—how people could stand for their country. People would stop tanks with their hands,” she shares.
Her story is a testament to the unyielding spirit of Ukrainians at home and abroad. Watch her full interview here.
Brave for Ukraine!
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