Olga Dvirna – France
Kyiv Post: Where are you from in Ukraine?
Olga Dvirna: Kyiv
KP: When did you leave; why did you leave?
OD: I left 2.5 years ago; my husband is French.
KP: How did you end up in France?
OD: Married, found a good job in one of the biggest investment banks in France.
KP: Do you ever regret that you are not in Ukraine – why or why not?
OD: No, the current political and economic situation in Ukraine doesn’t make me feel so.
KP: What do you miss most about Ukraine?
OD: Family and friends.
KP: What do you miss least about Ukraine?
OD: Seeing unhappy faces around me everywhere and every day.
KP: Does France have more opportunities for you than in Ukraine?
OD: Yes, more opportunities for sure and the work is more appreciated and remunerated.
KP: What relatives/friends are left back in Ukraine?
OD: All my family is in Ukraine, except a cousin in Germany, and all the friends are there as well, except the new ones I’ve met in France: Ukrainian, Russian, French etc.
KP: Do they visit you or do you visit them? Often?
OD: I try to go back to Ukraine at least four times a year. For my family and friends it is more difficult . For one, the trip is quite expensive; secondly, they need a visa to come to the European Union.
KP: With Ukraine coming up to its 20th anniversary of national independence, how do you feel about your homeland? Is it making progress as a nation? Or not so much?
OD: Yes, Ukraine has made general progress. But I was disappointed about the fact that many problems are unresolved due to the lack of political will and corruption. The young generation, even if it is willing to change something for the better and sometimes with brilliant ideas, cannot easily access the ruling elite due to corruption.
KP: What would it take for you to return?
OD: Probably I could return if I had a very attractive job contract in Kyiv. But it doesn’t seem realistic to me as I need to think about professional opportunities for my husband and about our future children. Here I feel security in all aspects of this word.
KP: What do you wish for your country?
OD: Better quality of life for citizens so that they could smile sincerely, travel easily and build a strong nation of laws and high social standards.
KP: Do you think that wish will come true?
OD: Yes, I stay optimistic about it, even if it will not come immediately.
