Ukrainian refugee who fled the war secures master’s degree with distinction

A Ukrainian woman who fled her war-torn homeland following Russia’s invasion has graduated from Keele University and is now looking ahead to a hopeful and ambitious future. 

Sofia Demkiv left her home in Kyiv with her mother, aunt, and younger sister and brother, who were living in the family’s hometown of Kalush in western Ukraine. The family arrived together in the UK in April 2022 under the Homes for Ukraine scheme and settled in Stoke-on-Trent, seeking safety and stability after the outbreak of war. 

Now aged 23, Sofia has proudly graduated with a Master’s degree with distinction in Marketing from Keele Business School, at Keele University, watched on by her family. This achievement builds on the undergraduate degree in Sociology she previously earned at the Ukrainian Catholic University. 

Reflecting on her achievement, Sofia said: “It’s probably the first time in my life that I have felt truly proud of my academic achievements. In the past, when I received awards, I would tell myself it was simply what was expected of me. But knowing the journey my family and I have been through, and how much heart and soul I put into my studies at Keele under such difficult circumstances, makes this moment feel incredibly special.” 

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Sofia was just 19 years old. She recalls the overwhelming sense of uncertainty that swept the country. 

“Nobody really knew what to do,” she said. 

“There were predictions that it would last a few weeks, or possibly a very long time. When my family began hearing explosions from bombings in the distance, we realised the safest option was to leave. Countries like the USA or Canada felt too far away, so the UK seemed like the best choice. We applied for the Homes for Ukraine scheme and were fortunate to be approved.” 

The sudden upheaval had a profound emotional impact. 
 
“It was an incredibly scary and stressful time,” Sofia said. “I was just starting my adult life when suddenly we had to pack everything up and move to a new country, with no idea whether we would ever return home - or even whether our home would still exist.” 

The move also meant losing the community she had built around her. 
 
“Many of my friends went to different parts of the world, while others stayed in Ukraine. Overnight, that sense of community disappeared. I felt lost, and it’s fair to say I was depressed at times. But I was grateful that my family was with me and that I wasn’t facing it alone,” she said. 

Sofia returned to Kyiv as recently as October, witnessing first-hand the continuing impact of the war. “It’s impossible to describe the atmosphere unless you experience it yourself,” she said.  

“People have, sadly, become used to the situation. While I felt scared and anxious, residents are now surprised if there isn’t at least one attack a week. When the sirens sounded, I went to a shelter, but some of my friends sleep through them, not because they don’t care, but because a human's body and mind simply can't stand that much stress for that long, so the only option left is to keep going with your 'normal' routine.” 

Living together as a family in the UK, alongside the support they have received, has played a vital role in helping Sofia rebuild her life. 
 
“Having my family with me has made settling into a new city and completing my degree so much easier,” she said. “There’s real comfort in knowing you’re going home to your family at the end of the day. 

“The thing I treasure most about the UK is feeling safe. I can walk around day or night, sleep peacefully, and know there won’t be sirens or bombing attacks. The weather is similar to Ukraine, which helps, and I love how many green parks there are to explore. 

“I love the UK and I’m incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received,” she added. “I never could have imagined this level of kindness when we arrived. It’s something I’ll remember forever, and I hope one day I can repay it in some way.” 

Despite building a new life in the UK, Sofia’s heart remains in Ukraine. “In the future, I would like to move back. The UK has given me so much, but Ukraine is my home, and I still hope to return one day and raise a family there.” 

Following her graduation, Sofia is keen to gain further workplace experience and pursue a career in the Financial Technology sector.