When Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, Daria Lukianenko's immediate reaction was to do something mundane.
The 21-year-old, from Ukraine's capital Kyiv, tried to continue with normal life.
"I woke up at 5am because of the bomb sounding," she said.
Unlikely meeting
While the fighting continued in Ukraine, Daria had an unlikely meeting in Albany on Western Australia's south coast.
She arrived in Australia two weeks ago to escape the escalating violence, and to visit her parents, who moved to Australia four years ago.
As it turned out, Vira Shchypanska also arrived in the coastal town last month.
Like Daria, Vira's parents live in Albany — her mother lived in Ukraine before initially moving to Broome three years ago to be with her now-partner.
The two women — who are both on a 12-month visitor visa — did not know each other in Ukraine, meeting for the first time in WA.
Vira also left her 31-year-old partner behind in Ukraine.
Men aged between 18 and 60 are not allowed to leave the country, instead being called upon to aid its war effort.
Daria was steadfast in her defence of Ukraine.
Determined to rebuild
Despite only meeting recently, both women were united in their determination to return home after the war.
"The only plan that we have is that we want to come back to Ukraine and rebuild," Daria said.
In the meantime, Vira said her life remained uncertain.
"I miss my everyday life," she said.
"Before the war you had plans … [but] since the war started, we have plans only for one day."
