"We can live in peace": Ukrainian families move to a new life in Nova Scotia.

Mike and Anastasia Kashra are familiar with escape.

In 2014, whenRussiafirst invaded Crimea in the eastern part of the country, the couple left Luhansk's first home,Ukraine. Did. Anastasia was nine months pregnant with her eldest son, Subia Toslav.

"He's a kid of war. He was born on July 1, 2014," says Mike.

The young family fled to Kieu, where his second son Matthew was born. Despite finding a house in the capital, they said they never felt really safe.

"When the war started eight years ago, we saw what it was like and it could be in Kieu. I always thought there was. I couldn't live without worry. We were always worried about something, "he says.

And their worries will come true. On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the dispatch of troops to cities in eastern Ukraine, and a few days later Russia launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine.

"Russia bombed every day for four months. Incredible, terrible," Anastasia said. He said Anastasia gets a goose bump just thinking about it.

Read more: Halifax's Ukrainian fundraiser raises more than $ 40,000 for a war-torn country

"If you speak Ukrainian. If you know the history of Ukraine, that's why you want to kill you, not Russian."

Kashlas was forced to flee to Canada again this time. The family landed in Halifax on April 12.

"We have to start from scratch (the second time) in our lives," says Mike. "Living in Ukraine is very, very dangerous."

"2014 was very difficult, but the second time, more and more because I understand that I will never be able to return." It has become difficult, "says Anastasia.

"Your apartment can be destroyed ... all your life ... packed in two packages. All yours, all yours left in Ukraine Was done. "

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'They didn't understand'

But this time Mike Anastasia was towing two boys.

Children aged 3 and 7 now don't really understand what happened, Mike said. Saying, his eldest son still believes they will return to Kyiv.

"He thinks we've just moved here for a year or two. He has a lot of friends in Kieu, so he'll be back home someday," Anastasia said. Said.

"Children don't understand. It's a big adventure for him."

"We're trying to explain. Some videos and some pictures. I'm trying to show you, but there seems to be a shield for the future, "says Mike. "They try to think everything is good."

"Everything is good because we are here," says Anastasia.

Read more: When the Ukrainians arrive at Halifax Airport, what's next?

The pair say they stayed with their host family for three weeks while struggling to find their place.

"When I arrived, I didn't know where to live or where to sleep, so renting a hotel was very important. It's very expensive," says Mike.

Kashuras said he helped the family set the SIN number and explained Canadian culture.

"Many good people here in Halifax, they want to help you," Anastasia said. Says.

She said she was overwhelmed by the support she had never met, that is, those who welcomed them home and bought what they needed. Said.

"We were very surprised when we met so many kind people," says Mike.

"We can live in peace"

But calming down wasn't without the challenge, says Mike.

"First, you need an address to get a SIN number. You need an address to get a phone number. You need a phone number and an address, and a bank only if you want to get a SIN number. You need to get an account. If you rent an apartment, you need to get a credit history. It's a yen, you know. "He said.

Mike has found a job ever since, and although it was easy to get Subia Toslav into school, his parents say childcare was another hurdle. Matthew is currently on the waiting list, and Anastasia wants him to find a spot by September, so she can find a job too.

"I've just started from scratch, but Canada is a safe country, so I know everything is fine," says his father.

"We dream of staying here ... I think everything works here. Russia is too far from Canada. "

Despite leaving home, young families are optimistic about their new life in Canada.

"In Canada, we can live in peace. We can build our lives and plan and plan our future in Canada."

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