War in Ukraine: Sister’s worry for pair in city under siege

A Ukrainian woman living in Northern Ireland said she fears for the safety of her sister and niece who are ‘living underground’ in Kyiv.
By Graeme Cousins
Published 27th Feb 2022, 18:12 BST
Updated 1st Mar 2022, 14:56 BST
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Alina Orzel came to Northern Ireland after finishing university in Poland. She was born in Kyiv but now calls Belfast home.

She told the News Letter: “My sister, my niece and my aunt live in different parts of Kyiv. My sister and my niece are right in the centre of Kyiv, they are quite close to the building that was affected by the rocket (on Saturday).

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“They are staying underground since the 24th in the apartment garage. They get upstairs for 10, 15 minutes to use the toilet or have a shower, then go back down to hide in the underground.

Alina (centre) with her sister Oksana and niece Anna in 2017 in Poland, the last time she has met them in personAlina (centre) with her sister Oksana and niece Anna in 2017 in Poland, the last time she has met them in person
Alina (centre) with her sister Oksana and niece Anna in 2017 in Poland, the last time she has met them in person

“Surprisingly enough they still have the Internet, so that is a good thing. Because they are underground they have to follow what is going on on social media.

“I am in touch with them all the time. I am very worried and praying every day.”

She said they are stuck in Kyiv for the time being: “They can’t leave, they would like to leave, but it’s impossible because of the curfew at 5pm to 8am. They do have a car but it’s too dangerous to drive.”

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She added: “I know that Ukraine will never surrender so it may take time until it’s all over and they will be safe again.”

Damage to a nearby buildingDamage to a nearby building
Damage to a nearby building

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Residents of Oksana and Anna's apartment have been living underground since February 24Residents of Oksana and Anna's apartment have been living underground since February 24
Residents of Oksana and Anna's apartment have been living underground since February 24

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Related topics:UkraineNorthern IrelandPolandBelfast