Toowoomba woman’s family in Ukraine stuck in Kharkiv as city shelled by Russia during invasion

A Ukrainian-born Toowoomba woman has recalled the horror of knowing her family is not only caught in the devastating invasion of her country by Russia, but will also likely fight in it.

Oksana Shevchenko talks to her brother or mother every morning and night on the phone, knowing in the back of her mind that it might be last time she speaks to them.

The Ukrainian-born Toowoomba Anglican School teacher aide listens to Nadia and Roma’s horrible stories of living in an active war zone that was once one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

“They’ve experienced horrific things, they’ve never experienced this kind of lifestyle at all (before),” she said.

“No food, no medication, constant bombing and loud noises, fire, smoke — it’s pretty hard for them.

“It’s been very stressful for me, so we try to keep in contact every day and make sure they’re OK and safe, but nobody’s safe.”

Toowoomba woman Oksana Shevchenko watches the news to get information about Ukraine with family members still living in the war-torn country. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Nadia and Roma are trapped in the city Kharkiv in the northeast corner of Ukraine, which has become a key target in the Russian army’s invasion of a sovereign nation.

The conflict, which started two weeks ago when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Ukraine’s east and shows no sign of slowing down, has already cost the lives of thousands of civilians and soldiers.

Kharkiv has been slowly reduced to rubble, with schools, apartment blocks, train stations and even the famous Freedom Square destroyed thanks to a cascade of Russian shells and bombs.

Watching and hearing the destruction unfold is difficult for Ms Shevchenko who grew up in Kharkiv and described it as a city filled with culture and vibrancy.

“It’s heartbreaking for me, because Ukraine was beautiful with old buildings and historical places,” she said.

“Now, the history of Ukraine has been completely destroyed, so it’s hard for me to even talk about.

“I saw how the Freedom Square in Kharkiv was bombed, it was Europe’s second-largest square, now nothing is left.”

Millions have already fled the country, including from Kharkiv, but Ms Shevchenko’s family is staying put.

Roma, who completed military service in his youth, has been forbidden from leaving the country by the government along with most males aged between 18 and 60 to help defend Ukraine.

Nadia, 68, will not leave her son to fight in this war alone.

“He’s not yet (enlisted), but all the men in Ukraine are forced to go to the army when they’re younger, he was in the army when he was 25,” Ms Shevchenko.

Toowoomba resident Oksana Shevchenko's mother Nadia and brother Roma are still living in Kharkiv in Ukraine's east, while the city is being slowly destroyed by heavy bombing by the Russian military.

“The second wave will be people who have some experience, so he will go in the second wave.

“It’s a war and it’s very scary — it’s not in his nature, he’s not a fighter.

“He’s not this kind of person — it will be very difficult for him to take the gun and shoot at someone.

“He has developed some anger and aggression for his people dying.”

Ukraine and Russia’s histories are intertwined, and this cultural mix is even more pronounced in Kharkiv, where residents speak Russian and have family and friends over the border.

In his speech two weeks ago ordering this “special military operation” — a full-scale invasion — Putin argued Ukraine’s cultural and historical ties meant it was inherently part of Russia.

Ironically, Ms Shevchenko said the shared histories made Putin’s act of “betrayal” even more devastating.

To her, it was like a brother stabbing you in the back.

Toowoomba resident Oksana Shevchenko's brother Roma is still living in Kharkiv in Ukraine's east and will most likely be required to serve his country.

“We always spoke Russian, because Russian was the language that all Soviet countries used,” she said.

“I’m very frustrated and very sad, I couldn’t believe our brother country (could do this). We used to call them brothers, we have friends and relatives over there and we’re all mixed up.

“My grandfather was originally from Russia — I would never had thought Russia could do such horrible things to us.

“It’s made people hate Russia, we used to live such a peaceful country, where everyone was friendly.

“I can’t understand why it’s happening.”

Toowoomba woman Oksana Shevchenko was born in Ukraine and has family members who are living through the invasion. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The war has led to a huge international response, with most developed nations imposing devastating economic sanctions on Russia and sending weapons and aid to Ukraine.

While she thinks the West can do more, such as imposing a no-fly zone over Ukraine, she said the love and support from ordinary people across the world had been a tiny light during a dark period.

“When it just started, I had so many phone calls and messages from my Australian friends,” she said.

“I felt really supported by Australian community — I even called mum and said all the people I know have been praying.

“It gives Ukrainians courage, knowing they’re being supported by the whole world.”