The Ukrainian Refugees Helping their Homeland: Max's Story

Following the war in Ukraine, millions of people have fled to safety in neighbouring countries. Many have chosen to work alongside international humanitarian organisations such as RE:ACT to help their fellow citizens. This is Max’s Story. 

Twenty-five-year-old Max Ilin is full of praise for the volunteers he is working alongside at the Help Ukraine Centre in Eastern Poland, especially the Ukrainian women working to send aid to their homeland.. 

“I admire them so much. They are stronger than men. They are strong people,” says Max. He also applauds international volunteers, like the RE:ACT team he’s working alongside, believing that “they sacrifice more than us because they have no connection to Ukraine but just want to help us That is amazing.” 

He says all his fellow Ukrainians are happy to help the aid effort for as long as they can. 

“It is wonderful to volunteer, to do something good for all the people back home in Ukraine. It helps us to get up in the morning knowing we are doing this,” he explains. 

Max was in Dubai on a work assignment when the war broke out. He hadn’t expected it to happen and like many others had assumed this “political row” would be solved without bloodshed. 

Even though he has now left Ukraine, he doesn’t consider himself to be a refugee.  

“I am not receiving any help and consider myself to be financially self-sufficient. I have been volunteering for charities since I was 18. I helped out at a large blood donation charity and also with a global NGO called AIESEC,” continued Max. 

“One of the first people that was killed during the conflict was a teacher I knew very well. It is so sad. You do expect that soldiers might die but not civilians from all walks of life.” 

Max says he is hugely grateful for all the help that Poland has given the Ukrainian people. He’s found the Polish people to be very supportive and patient. “I cannot express how grateful we are,” he adds. 

Before the conflict, Max believed that Europe was disconnected, especially after Brexit, but now he has nothing but praise for all the support, Ukrainians are receiving from around the continent. “Europe has been united and acted as one great power!” he exclaims!