The Story of Maral Bagyan
Maral Bagyan, a Russian citizen of Armenian descent, has chosen to build a new life in Ukraine. She relocated to the Lviv region after Russia's full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, and has since married a Ukrainian man. Maral is now diligently learning the Ukrainian language and intends to apply for citizenship, a process that requires her to fully renounce her Russian passport.
Born and raised in Russia's Krasnodar Krai on the Kuban River, Maral's connection to Ukrainian culture began long before her move, fostered through television and school studies. Her relationship with her future husband motivated her to seriously study Ukrainian. The first book she read in the language was 'The Forest Song' by Lesya Ukrainka. She recalls the difficulty of mastering new words, particularly terms like 'palianytsia' (a type of bread), 'vulytsia' (street), and 'Ukrzaliznytsia' (the national railway).
Challenges and Aspirations
Following the outbreak of the full-scale war, attitudes toward Maral in Russia changed dramatically. In 2024, she left Russia via Armenia and Moldova, entering Ukraine on her Armenian passport. She notes that navigating the border crossing in Moldova was the most difficult part of her journey. Maral expresses deep apprehension about ever returning to Russia, stating:
“I am afraid to go back there.”
Maral is now preparing for university entrance and dreams of becoming a journalist. Her primary goal is to obtain Ukrainian citizenship, though it necessitates the complete relinquishment of her Russian one. She also shares her frustration about how others have treated her name:
“For them, the name Maral was too difficult. They called me Marina, even Masha. But what kind of Masha am I? Look at me—I am Maral Bagyan.”
Thus, Maral Bagyan's story stands as a powerful example of personal choice and the pursuit of a new identity amidst a complex geopolitical landscape. Her case highlights the profound impact of war on individual lives, driving people to seek new opportunities and a sense of belonging under the most challenging circumstances. Maral's move to Ukraine illustrates how personal convictions can reshape one's views on nationality and community, leading to a search for a new place in a society enduring conflict.