From Displacement to Belonging: a photo essay

In November 2024, Krisjanis Pulkstenis, a young Latvian photographer, created an exhibition in collaboration with Baltic Global Initiative, a BBI partner organisation, giving a glimpse into the everyday lives of Ukrainians in Latvia. These are people whose names and stories we know.

Background

The Russian Federation’s attack on Ukraine began in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and fighting in the east of the country. On February 24, 2022, a large-scale attack on the country’s capital, Kyiv, began. The Russian invasion advanced from the north, east, and south. This caused the world’s largest flow of refugees since World War II. According to the UN, more than 15 million were forced to leave their homes, while more than 6 million fled the country. Over two years, more than 45 thousand Ukrainian refugees have officially been registered in Latvia. Some have already gone home, whilst others are starting to settle here.

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Vladimir & Antonina

Vladimir, 69, and Antonina, 67, from Mariupol, fled to Latvia with their son’s family after their city was destroyed and occupied by Russian forces. In Roja, they were warmly welcomed, their grandson enrolled in school, and all their needs met, thanks to hotel owners Nauris and Sanita.

Vladimir found work at Nidaros Seafood Latvia, where he’s been employed for three years, appreciating the calm, supportive environment. Formerly a worker at the Azovstal steel plant and an apiary manager in Ukraine, the war left them with little. Grateful for Latvian support, Vladimir now has five beehives and admires Latvia’s beauty and strong community support for Ukrainians.

Roksolana

Roksolana, 19, from Kherson, moved to Latvia with her family, inspired by her father’s close friendship with a Latvian naval colleague. She feels at home in Latvia, as her family is with her, and she has found work as a hairdresser, a job she loves.

In Ukraine, she studied at a lyceum, and she describes the fast pace of life there, where people are always striving for improvement and are open to helping others. She expresses deep gratitude to the Latvians for their support of Ukraine. Roksolana warmly invites Latvians to visit Ukraine during peaceful times, to enjoy a taste of traditional borscht and donuts as a gesture of gratitude.

Ivan

Granīts V&T Marbles is a company founded by Ivan, 44, from Bila Tserkva, Kyiv region, Ukraine. He feels that God led him to Latvia, where he is supported by his church, family, and Latvian friends. The company specializes in granite products and equipment, both in Latvia and Ukraine.

Despite facing challenges with language, climate, and cultural differences, Ivan and his family have embraced life in Latvia with love and gratitude. Although they don’t know many people yet, they feel welcomed and are optimistic about their new life here.

Roman

40-year-old Roman from Vilcha, Ukraine, shared how their territory was occupied at the start of the war, forcing him and his family to flee through Russia. After a failed escape attempt on May 4, they eventually left on May 24, traveling 1400 km to Latvia.

Previously, he worked as a teacher in a small rural school in Ukraine and now works in a fish canning factory in Latvia. He has noticed a greater sense of trust and fewer security measures in Latvia compared to Ukraine and appreciates the peaceful environment and kind hosts, expressing deep gratitude to those who have supported his family.

Victoria

Victoria, 21, from Kamenskoye in the Dnipropetrovsk region, came to Latvia when the war in Ukraine began. A Christian with a dream of becoming a missionary, she sees her arrival in Latvia as an answer to her prayers to experience a different culture. In Ukraine, she focused on her studies at university and helped with horse training, as her family owns three horses.

In Latvia, she worked as a nanny for two months, before returning to work with horses, training children, while improving her own skills for competitions. She has noticed that the pace of life in Ukraine is faster, but in Latvia, there is a more convenient, well-organized public transport system.

Vasiliy

Vasiliy, a 36-year-old from Donetsk, Ukraine, experienced life-changing events when the war began in 2022, forcing him and his family to flee their hometown after a bombing raid. They spent time in Russian-controlled areas before making their way through Russia to Latvia, where they were welcomed into a hotel in Roja that hosted many other Ukrainians, offering them safety and support.

In Latvia, they quickly adapted by finding work, with Vasiliy learning fish processing, and began building a new life away from the conflict. Despite the challenges, including language barriers and adjusting to a different climate, they are grateful for the peace and opportunities they have found in Latvia.

Slavik & Liubov

In 2022, Slavik, 55, and Liubov, 53, moved to Riga to assist Ukrainians fleeing the war, working with BBI. They have organized numerous trips to Poland, delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine and transporting refugees to Latvia, while also supporting Ukrainians in need of document renewal or facing terminal illness.

Slavik and Liuba are known for their hospitality, offering a welcoming home fostering a sense of community through events like Bible studies, prayer meetings, and youth camps. In Latvia, they help displaced Ukrainians navigate challenges while also carrying out humanitarian projects in both Ukraine and Latvia.

Ukrainian Store SKARB

Food is a vital part of Ukrainian culture, which inspired the opening of a store offering high-quality Ukrainian products, later expanding to a second location. By supporting Ukrainian brands, they help local businesses, strengthen the economy, and showcase the resilience of Ukrainians who continue to work despite the war.

The stores introduce new tastes to locals while providing Ukrainians with a sense of home, even if just for a moment. Through this initiative, they celebrate Ukrainian heritage and foster a sense of unity and pride.

Multi Cook

A family from the Sumy region, Ukraine, displaced by the war, opened a business called Multi Cook, specializing in producing frozen semi-finished products that showcase traditional Ukrainian cuisine. The business has grown, with stores in four popular Riga shopping malls.

The mission of Multi Cook is twofold: to support the Ukrainian community in Latvia by providing jobs and offering familiar food, and to introduce Latvians to Ukrainian dishes. The family expresses deep gratitude to Latvia for offering them temporary shelter and allowing them to rebuild their lives while sharing their culinary heritage with their new community.

Opening of the exhibition "From Displacement to Belonging" in Riga, 11.29.2024. It has since been displayed in other venues around Latvia.

Krisjanis Pulkstenis

Krisjanis has been involved in the ministry of Eagle’s Wings camp and Madona Baptist Church for many years. In 2023 he completed the gap year program at Camp Morrow in Oregon, which prepared him to step up into greater leadership responsibilities. He has a degree from the Latvian College of Culture in Cultural Event Production, specialising in Photography and Videography. He works as a cameraman for an international TV broadcast company and is happy this allows him to support himself in ministry.