War in Ukraine: the heartbreaking choice of Ukrainians in France

Dhe women and men, “simple people”, as Oksana sums it up, find themselves torn between their country and their family under the threat of Vladimir Putin, and their desire to stay in France, sheltered, far from the tumult, to protect themselves or their children. While the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army began twelve days ago, they say.

Leisha, 30 ans.

“I couldn’t hold back my husband”

For a year and a half, Leisha, 30, had been living a childhood dream. Her long nails painted blue and her perfect make-up bear witness to this, the young woman loves her job as a beautician. Settled in Paris for a year, she wanted to complete her apprenticeship in the fashion capital, then return to the country to open her beauty salon. For six months, her husband, Maxime, 35…