Myroslav Biliaiev is starting to settle into Harford County. Just a couple years ago, his life was wildly different.

A Ukraine native, his hometown became unsafe when Russia attacked the country in February 2022. Biliaiev said his home was just 60 miles from some of the fighting. His family knew they had to leave. Biliaiev, his mother and father departed for the United States, while his older brother stayed behind and joined the Ukrainian military.

He’s since found a home at C. Milton Wright High School and the Mustangs’ boys soccer team. They’ll play Saturday at home for a chance to advance to the state semifinal and cap Biliaiev’s senior year with the coveted trophy. But for him, soccer has provided more than victorious feelings. It’s given him a sense of home and belonging amid so many changes.

Biliaiev recently spoke with The Aegis about growing up in Ukraine, moving to Harford County and how soccer is helping him adjust to his new way of life.

Take me through what the last couple years have been like for you.

I came here two years ago, and the reason I came here is because the war started. Russia started the war against Ukraine, and so I had an opportunity to move to America through U4U (a Homeland Security initiative to find homes for displaced Ukrainians). Now I have a green card for 10 years and I’m trying to get residency.

Who did you come here with?

My dad, my mom, and that’s it. My brother, he’s in Ukraine because he’s 21 and he’s not allowed to leave the country.

What was the process like between the war starting and you guys leaving?

We had a lawyer, and our lawyer helped us a lot with documents. We had to wait six months to get permission and a visa. Then we moved out without any problems.

How hard was it for your parents to come to the decision to leave?

Honestly, it wasn’t that tough. We thought about it before and we always wanted to move here because, like, the USA is No. 1 in the world. It wasn’t that tough. I had some difficulties with English, but now I can understand. I can speak a little bit.

At first, did you want to be here, or would you have rather stayed with your brother?

I changed my opinion. Now, I want to stay here and I want to join the [U.S.] army after school.

Did you play soccer in Ukraine?

I had a team in Ukraine. It was a good club. I was on the main team. Of course, when I got here, I had some difficulties with communication. It was pretty difficult to play, but now it’s much easier.

Not just soccer, but in school and everything else, what was it like when you first got here?

It was weird, but my teachers helped a lot. Soccer helps a lot, especially with English since I talk to my partners every day, you know, and I improve.

How would you compare how uncomfortable you were at first to how comfortable you are now?

I like American people. I like our school. I like our teachers. I like everything. America is a great country. I don’t really miss Ukraine. I love my country, but I don’t really miss it.