From Ukraine to Georgia: Inspirational journeys of people who fled war

When war forced Maria Mikhailenko to leave her home, she could have lost everything. Instead, she found the strength to start over.

Originally from Bucha, Ukraine, Maria now lives in Kutaisi with her husband and two daughters (5 and 2). What began as opening her home for humanitarian aid has grown into building a new life: running a small wine cellar & restaurant and now—telling stories through her new passion for videography.

With professional training from our team at People in Need Georgia, Maria mastered video editing and is already capturing vibrant stories of the people around her. Today, she is not only filming personal stories but has already received contracts from abroad—including a German company that invited her to prepare an advertisement.

Her story is one of resilience, family, courage, and reinvention.

Language is a bridge

For 24-year-old Maria Dobrovolskaya, learning Georgian was key to turning fear and displacement into hope and belonging.

Originally from Ukraine’s Vinnytsia Oblast, war forced Maria to flee Kyiv, survive occupation near the capital, and later to work in a Polish factory. In Poland, she met Beka from Georgia and and followed him to Georgia. 🇺🇦 🇬🇪

Today, Maria and Beka are raising their son in Kutaisi and running a family café. But it was our Georgian language courses that opened new doors:

✨ She now welcomes local guests with ease

✨ Builds stronger connections with suppliers

✨ Creates a warmer, more authentic space for her visitors

For Maria, Georgian is a bridge to a new life.

From shelling in Kyiv to new opportunities in Georgia

When the war began, Nataliia Rasputko was seven months pregnant. Under the sound of shelling, she gave birth to her daughter Maia in Kyiv. Soon after, she and her family fled to safety in Georgia.

In Ukraine, Nataliia built a career in television for over 10 years. In Kutaisi, with our support, she turned that experience into something bigger: her own media workshop.

Today, she helps people realise their dreams. Ukrainians in Georgia come to her to learn video editing, social media management, and the skills to create their own futures.

Watch her story and discover how resilience turns into opportunity.

Aslan’s choice in favor of Ukraine

In 2014, Crimea was occupied.

Asan faced a decision:

📄 Accept a Russian passport

💙Or stay loyal to Ukraine.

He chose loyalty.

This choice cost him his pension, his home, his stability.

Today Asan lives in Tbilisi. He is a pensioner without documents or a steady income—but with unshakable dignity and faith in his country.

With our support, he receives financial assistance. But the real support is his own inner-strength.