Written by Olena Solianyk, STEP Ukraine Employment Advisor
Just one month after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukrainian artist Inna Abramova and her parents fled their home in Bakhmut. With little time and space in their car, they could only take the essentials. Left behind were fifty of Inna’s paintings, which would later be destroyed along with her home.
Originally from Donetsk, Inna had built a successful artistic career in Ukraine. She was a full-time artist, and her life was rich with creativity and collaboration. She worked on numerous art projects across Ukraine – in Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Mariupol – and even exhibited her work abroad in countries like Germany and Spain. With other fellow artists, Inna co-founded PostMost, an organisation dedicated to making art more accessible for everyone.
But the war took much of what Inna had built: her peaceful life as an artist, her works, her homeland. At the same time, she became separated from her parents, who now live in Canada. Some of her other paintings, displayed in Mariupol’s city mall were destroyed when it was bombed by the Russians in 2022.
Since fleeing Ukraine, Inna has faced numerous challenges. Initially housed in a hotel in Cardiff, she eventually found a generous host family who supported her for 18 months. But when unexpected circumstances forced her to uproot once again, she ended up in a homeless shelter before moving back to temporary hotel accommodations.
It has been a big emotional challenge for her. Picking up a paintbrush again is not easy for Inna.
“Every time I start to paint, I’m overwhelmed with doubts,” she shares. “What’s the point? Why do this? Will it ever bring me any profit?”
Despite these internal struggles, she’s found inspiration in painting with others. Participating in group art sessions has helped her reconnect with her creative self, easing the weight of her doubts.
A lifeline came through World Jewish Relief’s STEP Ukraine programme which has supported over 13,000 Ukrainian refugees in the UK to learn English and find employment. Over 65% of participants on STEP Ukraine have found work already, transforming their ability to rebuild their lives and integrate into their new communities in the UK.
But STEP Ukraine also provides a much-needed sense of community, and Inna was able to build her network with fellow Ukrainians. After receiving specialist employment support from her dedicated Employment Advisor, she secured a full-time role as a hospital Contact Officer in Cardiff, stabilising her life and allowing her to dream of becoming a full-time artist once again.
For Ukrainians living in the UK, Inna has this meaningful message:
“Don’t forget your home country. Build your own close community, learn English, dedicate time every day to study something new, and always believe in a better future.”
Despite all the loss and hardship, Inna’s spirit remains unbreakable and she is determined to create brighter days ahead.
