A Ukrainian Perspective on Life in Svalbard: First Essay in Artica Writings Series Now Available

Photo by: Ángel Valiente

The first essay in Artica Svalbard’s Artica Writings series, written by journalist Elida Høeg, is now live. Titled ‘I want to be somewhere I can feel at home’, the piece shares the experiences of Valeriya Burlachenko Mikhalskaya, a former Ukrainian resident of Svalbard, as she navigates life in the Arctic amidst shifting circumstances and global events.

Valeriya’s story begins in 2020, when she moves from Moscow to Barentsburg to work as a tourism guide in the Russian mining town. Her journey takes her through the challenges of working in Pyramiden during the pandemic, adapting to life in Longyearbyen, and ultimately facing the personal impact of the war in Ukraine. The essay explores themes of migration, belonging, and the ways geopolitical events intersect with everyday life in Svalbard.

The essay is accompanied by photography from Ángel Valiente and marks the first in a seven-part series exploring the personal stories of international residents and former residents of Svalbard. Each essay offers an intimate perspective on life in this unique Arctic community, with new instalments to be published monthly.

Readers can now access Valeriya’s story here. Stay tuned for the next installment in the series, coming next month.