Ian Umney's world paused for a second after he realized of the Russian invasion into Ukraine on February 24. Though he lives in England, his spouse and son stay in Ukraine.
When he heard the information and spoke along with his spouse, he determined to make the journey to reunite along with his household in Nikopol. Umney shared his two-day journey into Ukraine on TikTok, and his movies have gone viral.
The primary video of his sequence, which is posted to the TikTok account @ian.1193.backup, was seen greater than 6 million occasions.
Though Umney was making the journey into Ukraine, Newsweek beforehand reported that greater than 500,000 individuals fled the nation after President Vladimir Putin initiated an invasion of the nation by the Russian navy.
Automobiles and buses had been lined up at checkpoints on the borders of a number of international locations, together with Poland, Slovakia and Romania, whereas others crossed the borders on foot.
He advised Newsweek that he put a plan collectively and set out for Ukraine on Sunday.
His first video that he shared confirmed the baggage he ready for his travels, in addition to a number of the gadgets he packed.
"Able to go," he stated. "I am leaving to the airport in about half-hour, after which a flight over to Poland at about 3 p.m."
Because the first video, Umney shared a number of different movies documenting the place he was on his journey, which included an in a single day practice journey.
On Tuesday, Umney was reunited along with his household, and he started taking the steps to safe his home.
"I used to be relieved once I obtained on the practice to the town as a result of that was the ultimate leg of the journey," he stated. "So, despite the fact that it took a very long time, it was the ultimate step that I needed to take."
Through the practice journey, Umney stated he saved his thoughts occupied to keep away from any destructive ideas.
When he was lastly reunited along with his household, Umney described the second as "very emotionally charged."
"My son opened his arms to me, and I hugged him and wept into my spouse's arms," he stated.
It had been about one month since he had been again to Ukraine.
Born in England, he defined he moved again final July after residing in Ukraine along with his spouse for six years.
He stated he and his household have been planning to stay in England, and he moved again earlier to discover a job and a home. Whereas that is still the plan, Umney stated they're ready for the precise time to make the transfer.
Since being again in Ukraine, he stated issues really feel "fairly regular," although there's a feeling of uneasiness.
"There are indicators posted displaying you the closest bomb shelter," Umney stated. "I have never seen any roadblocks within the metropolis but, which is what I wish to exit and do tomorrow. However, total, it does appear fairly regular. Though, a bit tense."
He stated he and his household are taking issues daily. Relying on the standing of his metropolis, Umney stated his spouse and little one could or could not journey to the border of Poland the place they are going to meet along with his household and keep in England.
Umney stated he plans to remain and defend Ukraine.
"I can battle identical to some other Ukrainian citizen," Umney stated. "So, if half of my household is right here in Ukraine, I really feel accountable to do the identical as some other particular person."
Umney stated he is glad he can use TikTok to share movies and go stay.
He stated he is obtained donations, which have gone towards constructing roadblocks and shopping for meals for the neighborhood.
Nevertheless, he stated he was shocked that he is gained a following since he began sharing his movies.
That is his second account, and Umney stated it obtained 150,000 followers and his livestream was seen by greater than 7,000 individuals.
"I discover that outstanding and fairly insane to consider," he stated.
Post a Comment