Policy Press
3 ‘We are not refugees! We are occupiers!’
Abstract
In this chapter, the Ukrainians’ arrival and early introduction to Spain and Spanish cultural life is documented. On their arrival, my small hometown was simultaneously swelling with other Ukrainian guests so segments of their life in the Ukraine and their journey are also described here, giving particular attention to the invasion and their immediate departure from their country. There is a stoic feeling among the Ukrainians in this period which relates to their inherent belief that they will prevail against the Russians and it is this resistance which feeds their rejection of the ‘refugee’ label, particularly when it was mentioned in reference to being ‘poor’ or ‘needy’. This chapter looks at these feelings as the Ukrainians start to engage with the relevant systems to register themselves for temporary ID, access to healthcare and find out about the lack of state handouts.
Abstract
In this chapter, the Ukrainians’ arrival and early introduction to Spain and Spanish cultural life is documented. On their arrival, my small hometown was simultaneously swelling with other Ukrainian guests so segments of their life in the Ukraine and their journey are also described here, giving particular attention to the invasion and their immediate departure from their country. There is a stoic feeling among the Ukrainians in this period which relates to their inherent belief that they will prevail against the Russians and it is this resistance which feeds their rejection of the ‘refugee’ label, particularly when it was mentioned in reference to being ‘poor’ or ‘needy’. This chapter looks at these feelings as the Ukrainians start to engage with the relevant systems to register themselves for temporary ID, access to healthcare and find out about the lack of state handouts.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures vi
- Acknowledgements vii
- The end at the beginning 1
- Escaping the ‘occupiers’ 22
- ‘We are not refugees! We are occupiers!’ 40
- Work, study and cultural integration 53
- Strained relations and trending ‘solidarity’ 75
- Pastures new and war sirens old 95
- In search of Slava Ukraїni 115
- References 136
- Index 145
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures vi
- Acknowledgements vii
- The end at the beginning 1
- Escaping the ‘occupiers’ 22
- ‘We are not refugees! We are occupiers!’ 40
- Work, study and cultural integration 53
- Strained relations and trending ‘solidarity’ 75
- Pastures new and war sirens old 95
- In search of Slava Ukraїni 115
- References 136
- Index 145
