"It's very difficult to make a name for yourself and find a job": the story of a Ukrainian artist who found refuge from Russian aggression in France

Artist Mariia Sokolenko, who moved to a European country after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, is opening up accessible opportunities in France for the fourth year. Dreaming of returning to Ukraine, the woman simultaneously accepts the reality that Russia's war against Ukraine is not slowing down.

UNN reports with reference to France 3 Régions.

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Artist Mariia Sokolenko told France 3 Champagne-Ardenne her story about trying to find refuge from Russia's military attack on Ukraine – for the fourth year, the woman is in France, where she is gradually settling in better with her child.

On March 5, 2022, after transiting through Germany from the capital of Ukraine, which Russia was bombing then and continues to do so regularly, Mariia Sokolenko and her child arrived in France, where they settled in Charleville-Mézières (Ardennes).

Over the years of the ongoing full-scale war, the artist's son has grown up – September 2025 was his first day at school.

Mariia Sokolenko and her son live in the Ardennes, awaiting a hypothetical return to Ukraine, France 3 writes.

But I can't go back there permanently yet. Ukraine is still being bombed. That's the only reason I'm not going back.

The article states that the woman also managed to evacuate her father and grandmother from a village near Bucha, a well-known site of a horrific massacre committed by the occupiers.

The article states that Mariia's son has grown up during these years in France – he recently started his first day at a local school.

"I see that he is happy there," says Mariia Sokolenko. She also says that her son will be able to learn French, noting that "he has no choice."

In an interview with the French media, Sokolenko also talks about the difficulties of living in a new country.

She would like to pursue art and painting professionally, her chosen field

On the one hand, the Ukrainian migrant admits that she loves French history, the French way of life. But Mariia also points out the difference in mentality and talks about the need to adapt.

According to Sokolenko, she had no problems with documents.

My documents are renewed every six months

Regarding her specialization and talent, the Ukrainian woman says that "it is very difficult to make a name for yourself and find a job in France." Therefore, the artist says that she is open to other opportunities and professional fields.

In her story, Sokolenko admitted that she "reached a point where she can accept the reality of Russia's war against Ukraine."

Unfortunately, I don't see an end to this, it won't end soon. On the contrary: the war is gaining momentum

Recall

In July 2025, according to UNHCR, it became known that more than 2.2 million Ukrainians, mostly women and children, received "vital" cash assistance to restore damaged housing. It was noted that funds from the relevant fund allowed some families to repair their homes.