Escape from Ukraine: A Long Journey to Safety in Columbus

As mothers held their children’s hands tight, and travelers remained on phones rushing to baggage claim Jaime Longo and Eric Ponce looked past the current stream of travelers. With their signs, flowers, and blue and yellow balloons as they waited for their friend Alina Lyman.

Home for Alina Lyman is Dnipro, Ukraine. Pregnant and alone, Lyman was forced to choose between staying with her fiance who is fighting to save their home, or risk the death of herself and her baby.

She had to leave.

A photo essay of the moments that lead to the reunion of friends

She packed a bag and boarded a train alone in her hometown of Dnipro. Her finance Dima Kvitka, 24, stayed behind to fight Russian troops who invaded their country.

The Reporting Project's Jack Shuler helps Longo find Lyman's plane.

The Reporting Project's Marcus Nowling, Jen Clancey, and Jack Shuler waiting for Lyman to arrive.

“She’s broken emotionally, mentally and physically, but she is strong,” Longo said.

Her friends asked Lyman if she needed anything.

“Just water,” she said.

Read the full story here and get updates from Longo, Ponce, and Lyman at their gofundme.

This story was written by Jen Clancey, Pol Le and Marcus Nowling. Jack Shuler and Alan Miller contributed. They are part of The Reporting Project in Denison University’s Journalism Program, which is supported, in part, by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. thereportingproject@denison.edu @JournalismDU