A shelter for Ukrainian women in Krakow continues its work despite rising anti-Ukrainian sentiment. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
When Nastya Podorozhnya's relatives fled the war in Ukraine for neighboring Poland, volunteers welcomed them with open arms. Podorozhnya, 29, was already living in Poland when the war began. But days before Russia's full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, she rushed back to Ukraine to help her sister and nieces get out.
As she returned to Poland alongside an influx of refugees in the war's first days, she witnessed the outpouring of support from Polish volunteers. But she also spotted a risk: Ukrainian women accepting help from strangers could become vulnerable to human traffickers.
That was when she decided to found Martynka, a helpline and support group for Ukrainian women. This organization runs a shelter for women in Krakow, where Nastya Podorozhnya lives.
The shelter's work is becoming increasingly difficult: rising anti-Ukrainian sentiment is reducing funding and support. Nevertheless, Podorozhnya and her team continue to fight, as such shelters remain the only safe place for many women.
The shelter has two bedrooms, one of which Nastya occupies. In a photo from July 2, 2026, she stands in the kitchen. These images were taken by Associated Press photographer Claudia Ciobanu.
Despite the challenges, the shelter continues to provide refuge and support to Ukrainian women. This story raises important issues about the safety and rights of women fleeing war.