Elena Maximez was born and raised in Ukraine, but moved to Sweden 25 years ago.

Nearly 50 of her relatives are in Ukraine.

She has continuous contact with them.

- Several times I have thought of going there, but they strongly advise against it.

It's dangerous.

They think you should stay here and help those from Ukraine who are here, she says.

Choose to stay

One of the relatives, Marina Maksymets and her three-year-old daughter Nicol, lived with her in Barkarö in Västerås for a period.

But most have chosen to stay in Ukraine.

- They have all the problems we have here, with rising food prices and fuel and everything else.

But to top it all off, they have the war with the uncertainty and worry they live with every day, she says.

But Elena says they are solution-focused.

- They try to pay their bills even though they barely get paid.

They can and want to do a lot and take responsibility for the country.

They want to see that the country works as much as they can and that the economy turns around, she says.

Risking life daily

But at the same time, concerns are present.

- I am greatly influenced by what they say and how they feel, if they are sad or worried.

They are worried about themselves and their loved ones fighting in the war, she says.

Elena Maximez talks about the feelings of guilt that she is doing well while her relatives risk their lives every day.

- My cousin's 33-year-old son, who is the same age as my son, died when he and his wife's brother went to get food for their families, who were refugees within the country, says Elena Maximez.

In the clip, Elena Maximez talks about why her relatives choose to stay in Ukraine despite the ongoing war.