In March, 2022, 22-year-old Ukrainian university psychology graduate Olha Movchun, whose dream was to become an actress, fled the country and was brought to safety in Mallorca. This was thanks to Paul, a yacht skipper from London, who had decided to do something to help displaced Ukrainians after the Russian invasion on 24 February 2022 and was deeply moved by images of the impact of the war. Thanks to the help of Tracy, Director of Operations, Sales and Marketing for Experience Mallorca, who had a friend in Poland, one of the first to arrive in Mallorca was Olha.
In an interview with the Bulletin just a few weeks after her arrival on the island she explained that, as a university graduate who speaks fluent English, her dream ever since being a little girl had been to become an actress. She did have plans to head to the United States, but these were put on hold. She had been taking online acting classes and was in touch with various agents. But as a result of the invasion, she was having to start all over again. She managed to find work on the yachts in Palma.
“My parents are still living near Irpin, which was under Russian control until last week. They live near the woods and they told me that the forest is littered with dead bodies. They have stayed because my father is 59, so he has been called up to fight and my mother would not leave him. My sister worked for a Dutch company in Kyiv and they relocated her to Warsaw, so she has stayed there while I came to Mallorca.
I want revenge
“As soon as we’re told it’s safe, I will return. I want revenge, I want to kill the Russians and I know Ukraine will win,” she told the Bulletin back then. But it was not long before she very bravely returned to Ukraine. This week, as talks to try and end the war continue, the Bulletin caught up with her in Ukraine to discover what has happened since her return.
Family
“I returned to Kyiv, in October 2022. I returned because I had to put my family as a priority - they had lived through the invasion and aftermath from the retreating forces. I made a few friends in Mallorca so leaving was not easy. Even now, I sometimes wonder what my life would feel like if I had stayed,” she said. “My family is living almost the same life as they used to live. What changed the most is the emotional state. We are trying to hold ourselves together no matter what. There are days and weeks that seem good and peaceful. We donate to our army, pray, drink coffee, go to work, laugh with our co-workers, go grocery shopping and have birthday celebrations despite being without electricity at times.
“There is a schedule for the whole country that consists of many groups to ensure electricity supply for everyone as a result. I often get three hours of electricity in the morning and four in the late evening. Sometimes it changes and I am able to do the laundry and cook meals at night and in the evening. Which make six hours of electricity in total.
Warm Mallorca moments
“I am currently working in an advertising company and still studying acting, developing new skills and learning Spanish. Mallorca made me fall in love with this language,” Olha said. What do you remember most about Mallorca? “In the moments of sadness, I often go back to the pictures taken in Mallorca. As I scroll through my camera roll, there is always a smile on my face, recalling warm moments from the very beginning when Paul, who hosted me, was kind enough and opened his life to an unknown person and give me so many experiences that I treasure. I can only thank so many people that helped me along the way, doing their best to make sure I was safe and sound on the island. They include Helen, Marcus, Peter, Elena. I remember you all and a big thank you.
“As I lived through the war years in Ukraine, I realised that staying calm and resilient is the way how you react to terrible things that surround you. Regarding the end of the war, I believe that presidents who care about people’s lives are doing their best to make the war end as soon as possible. I am very grateful for the brave men and women of Ukraine and volunteers from other countries who fight for our everyday comfort: freedom.
“There’s always a feeling that we are not doing enough though that feeling is delusional and even tiny deeds are powerful. And seeing other countries send help, whether it’s goods, donations or verbal support of Ukraine, that always warms my heart and hope still lights my soul,” Olha said. “Due to the war, many pets were left on the streets. Last summer, I hosted mama cat and her four newborn kitties. That was a special experience. Now those cats are almost grown up and doing good. Even my parents were lucky enough to get one playful kitten,” she added.
Holidays without normality
“As Ukrainians love celebrations and nice tables full of meals, we gathered for a small family Christmas reunion. Told our stories, shared our experiences from the current year, had a little fun, played some games. There was an air raid alert, we went to the safe space and waited. That was bearable. Nothing compared to the 27 December drone and missile attack. A lot of people got wounded. And a few were killed.
“You know, every time there is a rocket attack and people get killed I realise that these people also cheered that they survived many of the shellings from the 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 years. But I get terrified by the thought that goes through my mind sometimes. Is the next time going to take my life? Or my loved ones. And I go on with my day. So does every person in Ukraine,” she stated. “War does not make any world leader that caused it cooler. Manipulating decisions of others using power of resources is unhealthy and weak.
“Re the cost of living from 2021 to 2026, the prices for basic goods and services almost doubled. However, salaries are not keeping up by a long shot, so people struggle but survive. And as we battle on in Ukraine, I send my warmest regards to Mallorca and one day when the war ends I’ll be able to visit the people I met.”