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Video length: 2 min
War in Ukraine: in Lille, Ukrainian children find respite far from the fighting
The city of Lille welcomes 40 Ukrainian children. Coming from Kharkiv, they will, during the holidays, forget the conflict affecting their country.
(France 2)
The city of Lille welcomes 40 Ukrainian children. Coming from Kharkiv, they will, during the holidays, forget the conflict affecting their country.
In Lille (North), Ukrainian children from Kharkiv (Ukraine) sleep soundly, safe from danger. “It’s very quiet here. There are no sirens, no bombing. It’s a completely new environment, I’m making friends.”explains Oleksandr Raroh. “I love being here, it’s safe,” confides Mykyta Boryshpolets. Since the new offensive on their city last May, the children’s anxiety has gone up a notch. They will be taking a two-week break in Lille, twinned with Kharkiv since 1978.
Lille has already welcomed a first group of children in April. On the program: outdoor games and walks.The last time I felt this good was before the war.”emphasizes Ivan Semykopenko. Some of his beautiful pre-war memories are already erased. The conflict has almost taken up all the space in the children’s minds. Just 15 days ago, it was the sound of bombing that punctuated their lives. Today, a wind of newfound freedom guides their steps.
