How NOT To Flee A War - Market Place

How Not to Flee a War is a compelling, real-life narrative that blends suspense, exclusive on-the-ground visuals, and unfiltered honesty.

Maria and Jez take audiences inside their chaotic journey out of Ukraine as war broke out sharing what went wrong, what theyd do differently, and the surprising acts of kindness they found along the way. Its a human story that feels like a thriller or a gripping novel but its all true. It begins with a couple waking up to find their city bombed, and follows their terrifying, amateur attempt to reach safety. That mix of real-life drama and relatable human struggle makes it engaging and accessible, even for people with no prior knowledge of Ukraine or war.Its the kind of story people come to festivals and public talks to hear: raw, emotional, real. Given from a relatable personal perspective, the talk centres around two ordinary people facing an extraordinary situation. It does not focus on politics or military strategy.

The Talks For Ukraine project, founded by Ukrainian journalist Maria Romanenko and her partner Jez Myers after fleeing Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022, is a flagship Initiative of All For Ukraine.Since its launch in 2022, it has grown into a nationally recognised speaking tour and a leading awareness-raising campaign across the UK and Europe. At its core, the powerful talk, How NOT To Flee a War, tells the story of their gripping escape from Kyiv to Manchester. Their story has resonated globally, being featured by the BBC, ITV, Sky News, CNN, and many more.

All For Ukraine creates meaningful social impact by leading grassroots initiatives, collaborating with the VCSE sector, and providing essential support to displaced Ukrainians and their families through education, empowerment, and community engagement.