How are Muslims in Ukraine observing Ramadan?

• Muslims in Ukraine struggle during Ramadan.
• Many have fled from their hometowns.
• Families are reminiscing about their Ramadan days in Ukraine before Russian attacks.

Ukrainian Muslims had not expected the holy month of Ramadan to be like what it is for them this year.

Many have fled from their hometowns in Eastern Ukraine to Western parts following the Russian attacks. One such example is Niyara Mamutova, a mother of four children, TRT World reported.

“I do not feel safe in my new city, because Russian rockets fall here,” she told VICE World News. “Every day and night we hear sirens and it means that danger is close.”

Mamutova, like many others, was a proactive Muslim member of the society working for charity. She said she missed the usual atmosphere of Ramadan where they prepared iftars and gathered together for worship.

Another Ukrainian Muslim, who found refuge in Germany, said, "Ramadan will be different this year because the usual feeling of happiness and joy is not there," 

"My heart pains because of my country.” Olha Bawazir added.

Families are reminiscing about their Ramadan days in Ukraine which once used to be peaceful. 

“Usually in Ukraine, we gather with our big family every week to make iftar in our homes together, pray Taraweeh together, and visit Kyiv mosque to pray and have iftar with other Muslims,” explained Olha Fryndak, another woman who travelled with her children to find safety.