As reported by the online media Ukrinform.
Almost all children who were forced to leave Ukraine for Latvia because of the war want to return home.
This was stated by Natalia Urus, a psychologist at the Ukrainian House in Latvia, in an interview with Ukrinform.
“Almost all children want to go back to Ukraine. They are definitely not lost. It is very hard for them to hear about their parents’ decision that they will never return. This trauma still hurts”
– Natalia Urus
Urus explained that Ukrainian children had a normal childhood at home in good conditions; however, after leaving their homeland, they are experiencing a high level of PTSD, facing a language barrier in communicating with Latvians and bullying from Russians.
“Russians harassed our children because they are Ukrainians. Their parents do not love us, and the children pick that up.”
– Natalia Urus
Latvian institutions and schools responded to Ukrainians’ reports of bullying: police and social services took action. However some children have not fully adapted yet, so the trauma continues.
Urus noted that the European Community has established common frameworks for displaced Ukrainians to ensure their stable return and reintegration into Ukraine under conditions that will allow this, with a possible gradual transition to other residence statuses for those who have the right to do so.
Support and Adaptation of Children Abroad
The psychologist emphasizes the importance of open communication with children and seeking help from professionals in cases of changes in behavior.
She stresses the importance of encouraging children to talk about their experiences of the war, as early support helps reduce the risks of traumatic reactions and promotes better adaptation in new conditions.
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