These are the Ukraine stories we want to hear
The 11-year-old boy who travelled 750 miles across Ukraine with nothing more than a plastic bag and a phone number written on his hand has finally been reunited with his mum.
A heartwarming video released by the Slovak Police Force shows the moment both the boy, Hassan Pisecká, and his mother, along with his four other siblings, were finally reunited.
Hassan was last week welcomed by siblings staying in Bratislava, Slovakia, after his mother, Júlia Pisecká, sent him across the country.
Júlia, a widow, was faced with the tough decision of having to stay behind to look after her elderly mother who requires round-the-clock care, but was hopeful Hassan would make it to his destination.
Hassan set off earlier this month from the city of Zaporizhzhia to join his siblings hundreds of miles away in Bratislava where his older brother is studying. He travelled by train, but also walked large sections of the journey, so it is unclear exactly how long the trip took.
Safe passage was eventually secured for both Júlia and the children’s grandmother, and the two were able to cross the Slovakian border and reconnect with their family, along with the family dog.
Speaking to The Sun, Júlia – like Hassan before – told reporters how the train journey was the most “difficult” and “intimidating” part of the journey: “Hundreds were crammed in a single car. But we had to escape so our family could be back together.”
She added: “I’d like to thank everyone from my heart. We have to start from scratch. We lost everything we’ve had but we’re healthy.”
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