Headline: Ukrainian War Refugee, Lidiia Prokhrenko, Allowed to Stay in Sweden after Deportation Threat to Russia is Overturned
Subtitle: Lidiia, 87, who fled the war in Ukraine, can now spend her remaining time with her family in Sweden.
Date: [Insert Date]
Byline: [Reporter’s Name]
Rättvik, Sweden – Lidiia Prokhrenko, an 87-year-old Russian citizen who sought refuge in Sweden amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, can now breathe a sigh of relief as the Swedish Migration Agency’s decision to deport her to Russia has been overturned. This sudden change of heart comes as a result of Lidiia’s connection to the Ukrainian army, which raised concerns for her safety if sent to Russia.
Lidiia, who moved to Ukraine in 2010 after the death of her husband, found herself fleeing the country when the war broke out in 2022. With her daughter, Zhanna Mikolayenko, residing in Sweden, Lidiia aimed to reunite with her family in Rättvik. However, last autumn, the Swedish Migration Agency decided to deport her to Russia – a country where Lidiia has no relatives or residence.
“I had nowhere to go and they wanted to deport me. Where would I go?” Lidiia expressed her distress to Aftonbladet.
Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war have the opportunity to obtain temporary residence permits in Sweden. Unfortunately, this privilege does not extend to Russian citizens living in Ukraine. Lidiia’s family immediately appealed the decision to the Migration Court, and after an arduous legal battle, they received the heartwarming news this week that Lidiia would be allowed to stay in Sweden.
“Of course, I was happy when the news came. I am old and yet will die soon. Now I get to stay with my daughter,” Lidiia joyfully shared with Aftonbladet.
Lidiia’s appeal was successful due to her “need for protection,” as she has relatives serving in the Ukrainian army. The Migration Court recognized the inherent risk and persecution faced by individuals in Russia with connections to the Ukrainian army, labeling it a “notorious fact.” Additionally, Lidiia’s deteriorating health condition, which includes poor memory, low blood pressure, and weight loss, was considered an aggravating circumstance.
For Zhanna and their entire family, the overturned decision is a tremendous relief. Zhanna, Lidiia’s 58-year-old daughter, expressed her initial fear upon receiving the call from their lawyer, fearing another rejection. However, the news brought forth a wave of relief, granting them a whole year and a month of peace and security.
Since Lidiia’s case gained attention from both national and local media outlets, she has become somewhat of a local celebrity in Rättvik. Residents now recognize her on the streets and continuously inquire about her wellbeing. With the recent news, many have taken the opportunity to congratulate Lidiia and her family.
“We live in a small town, and my husband has already gossiped,” Zhanna humorously shared.
As Lidiia finally settles into her daughter’s home in Rättvik, she can rest assured that her remaining time will be spent with her beloved family, safe and sound in Sweden.