A woman who fled war-torn Ukraine with her mother and daughter has graduated from the University of Sunderland.

In February, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, and in April of that year, Viktoriia (Vikki) Ishcheriakova left her home and resettled in Sunderland with her mother Svitlana and daughter Yasya.

Four years on and Vikki has now completed her LLM Master of Laws, graduating with a distinction.

Vikki worked as a lawyer in Ukraine for 20 years but was unable practice in the UK, and had to start her training from scratch.

Vikki Ishcheriakova (centre) with her mum Svitlana and daughter Yasya at Vikki's graduation in Sunderland.

placeholder image — Vikki Ishcheriakova (centre) with her mum Svitlana and daughter Yasya at Vikki's graduation in Sunderland.

Vikki said: “Coming to the University of Sunderland became a turning point for me.

“I went back into education, challenged myself academically in a different language and took the opportunity to work at the university to gain valuable experience while improving my academic English.

"Step-by-step, I began to rebuild my confidence and professional identity.”

In September 2022, Vikki began working as an assistant at the university’s apprenticeship team before taking up the role of work-based learning support for the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) team.

Vikki Ishcheriakova has now completed her LLM Master of Laws, graduating with a distinction from the University of Sunderland. Photo credit David James Wood.

She began her LLM Master of Laws in April 2024, and as the degree is delivered entirely online with the option of studying part-time, it meant Vikki could carry on working for the university while completing her studies.

Vikki, who is from Poltava, in central Ukraine, said: “What makes Sunderland so special is the people.

“The university has been incredibly inclusive, I have never felt like a stranger here.

"From the very beginning, I was welcomed with kindness and genuine support.

"I am especially grateful to my colleagues and friends for their encouragement, mentorship and for making me feel part of a community.

"Their support has played a huge role in helping me grow both personally and professionally.

“Sunderland has truly become my home. It’s where my family and I feel safe, supported and able to build a future with confidence.

"That sense of security and social protection means a lot to us, especially after everything we have been through.”

Vikki is currently working full time for the University’s CPD team and since January, has been gaining legal work experience by volunteering at Richard Reed Solicitors, in Sunderland.

Vikki said: “Looking back now, I can honestly say that my time here has been life changing.”