Russian migrants open their homes and businesses in a small coastal town; to provide shelter and help to Ukrainians fleeing the fighting.
Hundreds of passports belonging to Ukrainian people are scattered across a table in the lobby of the Sunny Bay hotel in Pomorie. Pomorie is a beach town in southeastern Bulgaria.
Several refugees are staying here after fleeing the Russian fighting and are now travelling to the police station with their passports to register; as required by Bulgarian legislation.
Mihail Stepanov, a tall man with sunglasses on his head, is in charge of a small group of volunteers who will assist the newcomers.
Stepanov, 58, and his wife Elena, both Russian citizens, have been residing in Bulgaria since 2019.
They have assisted with the registration of 650 families, totaling 2,400 people; since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, and they continue to give their time.
“It hurts me a lot to watch what’s going on in Ukraine,” Stepanov remarked. “I hope the battle comes to an end soon, but until then, all we can do is support in any way we can.”
Pomorie, sometimes known as “Little Moscow”. It has a population of roughly 15,000 people and has long been a favourite vacation spot for Russians. Russian citizens own around 70% of the hotels and vacation rentals in the area.
When Russians like the Stepanovs – who left Russia after the 2014 invasion of Crimea. They learned that Ukrainians were planning to visit the lovely resort, they made it their goal to assist them by offering lodging, donating clothing, and establishing a humanitarian centre.
