In Bulgaria, Russian Citizens Even Help Elena Escape from Ukraine Avoid the Kremlin's Onslaught

One corner of Sofia, Bulgaria (Photo by Natalya Letunova on Unsplash)

JAKARTA - There is no sign that the war between Russia and Ukraine will end yet. However, what happened in Bulgaria hopefully can be contagious and bring peace.

Elena Bondarenko is a Ukrainian who fled to Bulgaria after the Russian invasion. But who would have thought that he was actually helped by the Russians in Bulgaria?

But that's what happened to a bank clerk from Zaporizhzhia, one of the many refugees fleeing the war. They are secretly protected by members of the Russian community of 17,500 people, reported by Channel News Asia, Monday, December 12.

Elena Bondarenko and her mother and two young children were greeted by a Russian who runs a children's holiday camp near the Black Sea city of Burgas.

"I am glad that not all Russians are aggressors", said Elena Bondarenko.

"When you are without a roof, and you need to save your children, it doesn't matter who helps you", said another refugee, Anaida Petrushenko, 34, who fled Pavlohrad in eastern Ukraine with her three children.

"I never hid the fact that I am Russian because people see that I want to help", said one camp owner, who did not wish to be named.

He has hosted around 160 Ukrainian refugees, some of whom were dropped off at nearby hotels as the tourist season started.

While some Russians in Bulgaria are helping refugees, most of the Balkan countries remain pro-Russian. And the Bulgarian government has often been less hospitable in terms of providing accommodation and support, forcing many Ukrainians to flee.

Of the roughly 932,000 who fled to Bulgaria since the invasion, only about 51,000 remained with fewer than 10,000 being prepared by the state, according to official data.

Despite their humanitarian efforts, some Russians who help Ukrainians are uncomfortable admitting who they are.

"I can't describe the feeling of shame for your own motherland", said one Russian.