Ukrainian Vet Finds Hope in Sydney After Bucha Escape

When Maria Mykytiuk's children arrived in Sydney in 2022, they came alone as refugees while their mother stayed behind in occupied Bucha to care for patients who couldn't escape. The wildlife veterinarian had made an impossible choice between her kids and her calling to help others.

Maria's life in Bucha had been a dream before February 24, 2022. She ran a successful veterinary practice treating wild animals and traveled frequently for her work. Then Russian forces invaded the city near Kyiv, and everything changed overnight.

For over 30 days, Maria and her family lived in their basement as missiles flew overhead and walls shook from explosions. When neighbors grew sick, Maria used her veterinary training to help civilians, bringing food and antibiotics to people who had no other medical care.

The occupation grew violent. Russian soldiers shot her dog in her garden when it barked at them. After witnessing murders of friends and experiencing assault herself, Maria evacuated her children through Poland to Australia but returned to Bucha to help those left behind.

When Ukrainian forces finally liberated Bucha, a soldier handed Maria a yellow flower and told her the city was free. She boarded a plane to Sydney to reunite with Anastasia and Kyrylo, but freedom came with its own struggles.

Sunny's Take

Severe PTSD left Maria unable to cook, eat, or even speak with her children. She slept all day, trapped in trauma. But Sydney strangers became her lifeline.

The principal of a local primary school made daily lunches for her children without telling Maria. "I didn't believe such kind people exist," Maria says now.

Carolynne Wawrzyniak from St Vincent de Paul furnished their apartment and secured school scholarships. Artist Janno McLaughlin sent groceries when money ran short. These acts of kindness gave Maria space to heal.

Today, Maria gives back from her new home. She raises money through concerts, meets with officials, and attends weekly rallies supporting Ukraine. Her daughter Anastasia organizes exchanges of letters and books between Australian students and the school in Bucha where kids still study by torchlight after nights of shelling.

The family remains connected to loved ones in Ukraine through daily messages, carrying constant worry but also constant hope. They've learned that home can be both a place you left behind and a community that welcomes you with open arms.