A former prison in the Netherlands has been converted into a shelter for Ukrainians
In the Netherlands, a former prison was converted into a shelter for Ukrainian refugees after the outbreak of full-scale war. One of the residents, Yevgen, has been living for three years in what used to be a prison cell.
Currently, his room is shared by two Ukrainians—himself and a man from Kherson. Residents of the center share kitchens, showers, laundry facilities, and refrigerators. According to Yevhen, they’re still lucky, since in other centers, as many as six to eight people may be living in a single room.
According to Yevgen, most of the Ukrainians at the center are working. Despite this, many do not rent their own housing. The reason is the uncertainty surrounding the future of their temporary protection status. People are saving money, hoping that after the war, they’ll need it to return home.
The center has strict rules. Residents share kitchens, showers, laundry facilities, and refrigerators. They are not allowed to bring their own electrical appliances into their rooms, and violations can result in a reprimand or even loss of housing. If a person works and earns more than €900 per month, they pay approximately €240 for housing.
He also noted the large number of surveillance cameras and the constant presence of security guards.
At the same time, Yevhen emphasizes that he is grateful to the Netherlands for the opportunity to find a safe haven after leaving the occupied territory. But he admits that years of living in a temporary center are psychologically draining.
“You can put money aside. But can you put your life on hold? It’s already been four years,” says the Ukrainian.
The Netherlands has announced that it has exhausted its options for providing military aid to Ukraine.
Putin is investing billions in projects related to life extension, according to the WSJ.
