A luxury leather goods manufacturer in the Burgundy region has hired two dozen Ukrainians since the war began. The CEO says it's partly because he can't find enough French workers to fill the jobs.
SEMUR-EN-AUXOIS, France — In a factory on the edge of the medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois, French isn't the only language being spoken these days. Over the whir of sewing machines, the sounds of Russian and Ukrainian can be heard as well.
Thirty-three-year-old Alexander Dubitsky is working on a row of handbag handles. He came from Kharkiv at the end of August. When asked if he will return, he says,"It's not a question of rebuilding after the destruction in Ukraine. That doesn't bother me at all. I would gladly help. But we are always in danger. Even if the war stops, Russia will collect its forces and attack us again three or four years later. This has been our reality for centuries.
Across the work table, French colleagues Ines Chapovaloff and Maud Duvignacq say they feel lucky to share their savoir-faire and learn from the Ukrainians. They praise the Ukrainians' courage and ability to show up for work with a smile despite worries about the war back home. Bila recently had to return to Ukraine to bury her mother, who had gone to the hospital when her town was under Russian occupation — but there were no doctors. After the town was liberated, her mother was finally diagnosed with a ruptured appendix, but it was too late. She died at age 61.
They kept hoping they wouldn't lose their farm. Romanchuk says he thought he could stay under the Russian occupation. But when the Kremlin orchestrated referendums to annex Ukrainian territory this summer, he knew it was no longer possible.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ukraine live briefing: French defense minister in Kyiv; warnings of power outages throughout winterSébastien Lecornu's visit, which includes a working meeting to discuss future French support for Ukraine's war effort, marks his first trip since the invasion began.
Read more »
These Double Ombré French Nails Are an Optical IllusionThe double ombré French manicure was arguably the most mesmerizing trend on TikTok this year 💅✨
Read more »
Ferrexpo owner Zhevago detained in French alpsKostyantin Zhevago, the billionaire owner of Ukrainian iron producer Ferrexpo Plc, was detained in France on suspicion of money laundering and embezzling funds linked to his banking business at home.
Read more »
Azerbaijan summons French ambassador to protest ‘baseless accusations’Baku expresses 'deep concern' over what it calls an expansion and 'continuation of campaign of open slander' by various French political forces towards Azerbaijan.
Read more »
Ex-Ukraine lawmaker accused of embezzlement nabbed at French ski resortFormer Ukraine’s parliament member, Kostyantyn Zhevago, was arrested Tuesday at a ritzy French ski resort on charges he embezzled more than $100 million from a bank he used to head, Kyiv auth…
Read more »
French defense chief visits Ukraine, pledges more supportKYIV, Ukraine (AP) — France's defense minister on Wednesday pledged further military support for Ukraine, insisting his government's backing is unflagging while efforts are also being made with Moscow to reach an eventual negotiated end to Russia's invasion .
Read more »