My name is Yuliya Barron. I live in the Seattle area, and I’m raising funds on behalf of my mother's cousins in eastern Ukraine, whose home in a small village was completely destroyed by a Russian missile strike this week. By sheer luck, Iryna, Elena, and her teenage daughter Sonya were not home at the time—they were visiting family in the nearby city of Kharkiv. That chance decision saved their lives.
Four years ago, many of you showed incredible kindness and generosity when I asked for help. Because of you, we were able to bring some of my other Ukrainian relatives (my cousin Tanya, her elderly mother, Natalia, and twin toddler daughters) to safety in the United States through the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program. I will never forget that support—thank you for changing their lives. They are here and thriving.
Today, I’m reaching out again with a heavy heart after learning that Elena and Iryna's home was destroyed. The home that was destroyed wasn’t just a house. It’s where Iryna, Elena, and their brother were born and raised. It’s where they grew up together, and where their mother spent her final years. Now, everything is gone.
Iryna works at a fishery, and Elena (Lena) works at a dairy factory. They were never wealthy—never even truly middle class—but they built a modest, stable life. Now, they have nothing. There is no homeowner’s insurance to fall back on, and no realistic way for them to rebuild without help.
Iryna’s son is currently serving in the Ukrainian army, and Elena’s daughter is a college student in Kharkiv. Their families are doing everything they can to move forward, but the loss is overwhelming.
As many of you know, bringing people out of Ukraine is no longer an option under the new administration as U4U has been terminated. While we were fortunate before, we cannot relocate everyone who is still living through this war. But we can still help.
We are raising funds to support Iryna and Elena as they try to rebuild their lives, secure safe housing, and cover basic needs during this incredibly difficult time. I will be sharing photos of the destruction, as well as updates on their situation.
If you are able to contribute, no matter the amount, it would mean so much. And if you cannot donate, please consider sharing this page.
Thank you again for your compassion, your support, and for standing with Ukrainian families during these unimaginable times.
Many thanks in advance,
Yuliya