THIS INSIDE UKRAINE STORY IS FROM THE CITY OF KHARKIV.

* All images and answers in the feature were provided by the WOW Woman, unless otherwise specified.

INSIDE UKRAINE SERIES: A SNAPSHOT, A DAY-IN-THE-LIFE, A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IT’S LIKE TO LIVE, RESIST, SURVIVE AND PERSEVERE IN A NATION UNDER ATTACK.

GLORY TO THE UKRAINIAN WOW WOMEN, FOR SUPPORTING THEIR COUNTRY AND BRINGING UKRAINE CLOSER TO VICTORY.

Ms. Victoria Osemene, a Nigerian linguist, teacher and a digital creator, initially moved to Ukraine from Lagos to pursue her studies. Ten years of Ukrainian immersion and two degrees later, it’s safe to assume that Victoria fell in love with the city of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s culture and its people. “People in my city say that my Ukrainian is pretty good. Since the full-scale invasion, I have been trying to switch from russian and communicate only in Ukrainian. I am proud to say that I’m improving and learning daily to be able to better promote Ukrainian culture and represent Ukraine internationally,” writes Ms. Osemene.

KHARKIV. BEFORE February 24, 2022.

On February 24, 2022, Ms. Osemene, alongside Kharkiv’s 1.4M residents, awakened to the sounds of bombs and shelling - russians were invading, bombing and moving toward the city. In the coming weeks and months, Victoria witnessed an exodus of locals and foreign nationals, yet decided to stay put. The most vicious russian bombings of Kharkiv followed as moscow deployed hundreds of strategic bombers, ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as Iranian or russian-made drones, all taking minutes to reach the city from the russian border, located a mere 32km/19miles away from Kharkiv’s city center. These atrocities continue to be perpetrated by the russians. According to the UN, in the first two months of 2024 alone, Kharkiv’s residential areas have been hit with at least 79 russian missiles and drones. Through the sorrows and tragedy, Ms. Osemene continues to proudly to call Kharkiv her home and Ukrainian people, her compatriots.

Vicky’s Ukrainian journey began alongside 80,000 international students, most of whom left Ukraine soon after the start of the russian atrocities. Now, Victoria is one of very few foreign nationals who remained as permanent residents of the country, she may be the sole international student so close to the russian front. I respect Victoria for opening her heart to my people and continually using her voice to counteract the heavy russian propaganda which circulates worldwide. I also admire Victoria’s sense of humour and positivity despite the daily tragedy unfolding in her city; she finds humour and perseveres. Before the invasion, between her studies, Vicky made witty posts about her Nigeria x Ukraine experience abroad, thereby connecting to other foreign students. After russia began exterminating Kharkivites, Vicky’s niche turned to videos of a foreigner in a wartime, raising awareness behind the meaning of the real “russian peace”. Through her courageous truth-telling and support of the brave Ukrainian fighters (she donates blood and vocally denounces the aggressor), Vicky earned respect of Ukrainians around her. Vicky fell in love with Ukrainian culture, language and traditions; Ukrainians, in return, fell in love with Vicky.

Although Vicky’s humour may not be for everyone, I pause and figure that, unless we live inside a nation under attack for two whole years, with nightly curfews and air raid apps, warning us of incoming drone attacks, we have absolutely no business judging those who are persevering inside Ukraine nor their methods for keeping sanity intact. In the times of COVID, so many communities migrated online to connect to others and seek support. Unlike the rest of the world, which saw the end to the COVID shutdown, Ukrainian communities directly threated by russian violence, remained online where they continue supporting one another with kind words and meme-like survival jokes. Vicky’s videos, their silliness and tongue-in-cheek humour from the inside the hard-hit Kharkiv, uplift Ukrainians; she touches a nerve and pulls people out of their wartime stupor. Ukrainians in Kharkiv as well as many fighters in the Armed Forces of Ukraine recognize Vicky’s efforts, they see that she is one of them. I’ve come to realize that if anyone earned the right to make wartime dark humour jokes, Ukrainians and Ukrainian defenders definitely have. Vicky paid her dues by sticking with Kharkivites and for that she is a WOW Woman and a Ukrainian in my books.

- Olga Shmaidenko, Founder of WOW Woman.

Teacher, Linguist, Digital Creator, Kharkiv, Ukraine

1. Name.

Victoria Osemene.

2. Where were you born and where do you live now?

4. What was your typical day like before the war and how has your role changed since the invasion of Ukraine? Describe the first months of invasion, how did you survive, who did you speak with and why did you decide to stay? Who was your support network in Kharkiv when everything started? What happened to other students?

I had a regular life of a regular student before the invasion. I studied, used my creativity for social media posts; some of them were Africa-related, and others were about my life In Ukraine from a foreign student’s perspective. This proved very relatable to other foreign students across Europe. My first video went viral in 2016, this drew the attention of foreigners in Ukraine as well, thereby allowing me to connect with more Ukrainian residents on social media. I realized that more people related to my content and wanted to see more. I never stopped creating, until the start of the war.

I wouldn’t say my role changed too much since the invasion, because I have always been a voice for foreigners In Ukraine, especially through my videos. Before the full scale war hit the country I had made videos on my TikTok account, proclaiming my loyalty to Ukraine. On the 23rd of February 2022, after spending the day at school I went home anticipating the next day of classes. Early morning of 24th, russia invaded. I woke up to the sounds of war, but managed to go about my already planned activities for the day. That same day I made a video about what I saw happening around me: people panicking and running from explosions, people helping and offering volunteer services, fire department and health care workers rescuing injured Ukrainians. For unknown to me reasons, I remained calm and tried to calm others, espeically foreign students living throughout Ukraine; many had no idea how to handle the situation on their own.

The first months of the invasion were tough, living in fear, not knowing what would happen next, undecided whether I should stay or leave, all while suffering constant bomb attacks. I watched as every single foreigner left Kharkiv toward safety because Kharkiv was one of the first cities to be attacked by the russians. 

How did I survive? I must give God all the glory, without Him I don’t think I would have survived. I am no better than the innocent families and children who slept peacefully in their homes and were killed by the Russians.

My parents were the first to call me that morning; they heard the news and wanted to be sure I was safe. I assured them of my safety and told them I wasn’t in a hurry to leave yet. They respected my decision and gave me strength with their prayers and through constant communication. 

I made a decision to stay in Kharkiv because it was a hard time for Ukrainians and I wanted to support them in any way I could. God was my support network, I remember praying to keep me safe and also direct me on how I could help Ukraine. I must also say a big thank you to Ukrainians who stood by me since the day I decided to stay and support their country; they appreciated the content I put out and my little contribution to creating awareness about the situation and preaching for peace. 

Most other foreign students were understandably gripped with fear and couldn’t take the constant shelling so they opted for a safer country. Many of them didn’t understand why I would want to stay in a country that isn’t my home country. Through it all, I am proud to say that not all African students left the country during the war, but many students left Kharkiv for other safer cities in the west of the country, close to the EU border where they remained. I also know of a foreign exchange student who stayed in Sumy while all his friends and other foreigners fled the city at the start of the invasion.

If it weren’t for my Tik Tok content I probably wouldn’t have made it mentally intact through the first months of invasion. Putting out those videos and focusing on a daily survival has been the way of life these past two years of war. - Victoria Osemene.

Some of the heaviest memories I have are of how empty Kharkiv felt in the first days of the full-scale invasion. I only saw people when I went to the supermarket; we were looking at one another, unhappy, tired and sick of everything. I have few photos from that time, as everything was heavy and no one was in the mood. At first, I was scared to come out of the shelter but President Zelensky’s speech and his team motivated me. I was able to finally get outside and show my unity with Ukraine. Many times I was alone in this, and it was tough, but I did it.

My story of how I survived in Kharkiv alone drew attention of many Ukrainians; they supported me and my decision to remain in my favourite city. This support has kept me going and gave me encouragement to keep creating awareness for those outside Ukraine. I hope that the war ends soon, so I can celebrate victory with my fellow Ukrainians and create more beautiful memories together. 

5. What would you say are your strengths and superpowers?

My strength comes from God and my superpowers are prayers. I come from a devout home, my background was built on prayers hence the reason I do not forget to put God first in everything. 

7. What are things you do just for you? Is it possible to stay sane in a war situation? What are some things that help you to not lose yourself?

Having my quiet time is very important to me, a time for self-reflection and remembering my purpose in life. Being creative, especially on TikTok, has been a good distraction from everything happening around me. My videos also allow me to connect to the supportive Ukrainian community, where we feel united. Sometimes I get emotional in my videos because I cannot run away from the reality of the current situation around me, other times my videos are funny because I try to add a little bit of humor to cheer Ukrainians up (including fighters in the Armed Forces who watch them) and show them that we can still be happy, despite russians trying to take away our peace and freedom. 

8. Do you feel the war changed you? How? Since the start of the war, has anything surprised you about yourself (how you have handled yourself, remained strong, found inspiration in unlikely sources, etc.), about Ukraine, about your ideas about humanity?

It is almost impossible stay sane in such a difficult time. I must say, it takes a lot of patience and perseverance to endure it and stay sane. I thank God for my parents and family back at home for their constant checking up and prayers. Communicating with them daily and knowing that they are well and strong keeps me sane. 

I also cherish the constant encouragement from Ukrainians, who have supported me and helped me not to lose myself, in the times I’ve felt like I was losing my mind. God seems to always send people my way who understand my vision and support my choices; they welcome me and remind me of who I am.

Recent news from Kharkiv, Victoria’s home city:

Yes, the war has changed me a lot. Surviving Russian aggression has been my biggest achievement as a foreigner living in Ukraine; it not only changed me, it has shown me my strength. I went from feeling terrified to facing my fears, when I stared them in the eye and said “IT IS NOT OVER UNTIL I WIN!” I received my inspiration from the president of Ukraine Mr. Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy. Since the beginning of the invasion he has proven that he is loyal to Ukrainian people, shown Ukrainian strength and our dignity to the rest of the world.

Although I promised myself I’d stay in Ukraine in order to show support, russian aggression shook me to my core, especially in the first weeks of the invasion. I thought I would have to remain in bomb shelters indefinitely, and keep hiding underground; that was until the 24th of March 2022, a month into the attacks, when I read President Zelenskyy’s statement and if felt as if he was speaking directly to me. In his message to the Ukrainian nation, and to the world, he confirmed that it had been one month since the war and the terror and attacks from Russia continue, he urged the people of the world, students and supporters, to come to the streets with Ukrainian symbols to show their standing in solidarity. I was greatly inspired by this man, who himself stood with his people since day one. And so I kept to my promise, to not leave and went out bravely to the streets of Kharkiv, to support the country I live in and love so much. 

I have, of course, many times surprised myself for handling everything so gracefully and remaining strong, despite the constant attacks. My feelings about humanity have changed over time; I understand the value of fighting for what you love, despite the surrounding circumstances. I learned to appreciate every moment spent alive, I try to make good use of my time while trying to remain happy. I learned that what one has today could be taken away tomorrow. Ukrainian people fell asleep in love, freedom and peace on the 23rd of February 2022, but awakened on the 24th with their freedom and peace under a russian threat. Ukrainians vowed to fight and continue doing so, for their rights and freedom until justice prevails.

9. What do you want the world to know about Ukrainians at this moment in time? About Ukrainian women?

I want to world to understand that Ukrainians are brave people who have come together, united in their fight for freedom. Together, they have achieved nothing but success; from men who stood on the frontlines to protect the country to the women who came out strong and supportive of the front, working and volunteering together. Ukrainians raised their flag high and said: “Ukraine matters! Freedom matters! Peace matters!”

10. Is it difficult to live in Ukraine and try to reach a foreign audience? What is the most difficult aspect? And the most positive?

Living In Ukraine hasn’t been difficult at all, because before the war, Ukraine was set up to host many foreign students. Ukrainian culture and people are very accommodating and welcoming to foreigners, many of whom decided to stay after obtaining their education. Students have a conducive study environment with an affordable cost of living. Before the invasion, a community of foreign students was quite large, with over 80,000 international students residing throughout the country; it was quite easy for us to connect with one another comfortably.

The most difficult aspect for foreigners is the language barrier, which happens to anyone who finds themselves in another country. Once you put in the time to understand the culture, language and Ukrainian people, you realize that they are not only good people with good hearts, but also brave and strong.

11. Who are your WOW Women who inspire you?

Women working with the Armed Forces of Ukraine at the frontlines are my WOW Women; their persistence, resilience and dedication are worthy of admiration. Their willingness to risk their lives and fight for victory and stand facing the aggressor have shown the world what Ukrainians are made of.

12. What is a place or activity that makes you feel happiest?

The church has been my happy place for as long as I can remember. During the first days of the war where every other place was shut down due to the state of emergency, the only place I could go after a stressful week of survival was the church.

Seeing people come together every Sunday to pray and connect makes me feel the happiest and gives me a lot of hope. 

13. What will be the first thing you’ll do when Ukraine wins? What are your dreams for yourself after the war is finished?

When Ukraine wins, I will give all the glory to the God Almighty, because it has been him all along to help us, when everyone thought that russia would wipe out Ukraine in three days. God took control of the situation and sustained us until the present day; by His mercy we were not consumed. He was at the center of it all and has promised to restore peace even in the midst of the storm. So the first thing I will do will be say “Thank You God!” 

My dream is to live peacefully and free in Ukraine again. After the war ends and peace is restored, I would love to start a family and build a home on this land, among people who fought so hard for their freedom. I would want my children to grow and learn about the history of Ukraine because it comes with a lot of lessons and teaches us all about the power of bravery. 

14. What would you want Nigerians, and also many other African people to understand about Ukrainian determination and strength? What do you think is needed to get more support for Ukraine in Africa?

I am a woman born in Nigeria and I was brought up in a background where I have been taught to strive for freedom while surviving war and famine. I believe that every country has its own war and surviving Nigeria as a child and coming to a different country to see life and the strength of its people has changed me deeply. I want to show the world who Ukrainians truly are. This country is so determined to resist the occupier, they are risking their lives daily to come together in unity to fight for peace. This strength has rightfully moved and inspired people all over the world.

I wish for more awareness to be created for the people in Africa. I want Africans to know that there are many foreigners in Ukraine who represent different countries and races. We need African support as well, to hasten us on the path to victory. 

15. What would you say to people who say that putin is "freeing russian speaking people" in Ukraine? That they were oppressed and needed liberation.

I spoke Russian language for almost nine years living in Kharkiv and only started speaking and learning Ukrainian language recently. Russians are not “liberating” us, russians are attacking and killing us. Ukrainian language is so beautiful. After speaking it for almost two years I believe that Ukrainians deserve freedom to express themselves through their culture, in their own language and without the fear of russian opression. Nobody should be under any sort of oppression for loving Ukrainian language and culture; Ukrainians deserve to be free.

16. Why do you think Putin invaded?

Russia invaded because Putin thought (and continues to think) that Ukraine was Russia. I am happy and proud that Ukrainians stood their ground, fought and continue fighting for their right to freedom. Putin (and much of the world) thought he could take Ukraine in three days. I hope that after two years of fierce Ukrainian resistance, Putin realized that Ukrainians don’t and never will want to be Russian. 

17. What would you say to people who think that Ukraine should negotiate with russia about peace and potentially give up the occupied territories to putin?

Peace negotiations are a good thing because Ukraine and Ukrainians deserve peace, but I don’t believe that giving up russia-occupied territories to Putin would end the war. Instead, such delay will only give Putin time to rebuild and regain control of his army, rebuild his military and then return to attack Ukraine again.

I believe in Ukraine’s right to exist. I believe in fighting for one’s freedom. Freedom matters, peace matters and Ukraine matters!

18. Where can others find you/your work? (links to website, blog, etc).

You can find me on:

• Instagram: @gidigirlvikky 

• TikTok: @gidigirlvikky

• Facebook: facebook.com/jesusbabyvictory 

• YouTube: youtube.com/@Gidigirlvikky