At the age of 18, Oleg took part in the protests in Pinsk and spent more than five years behind bars, including two years in prison isolation. In December 2025, he was forcibly deported from Belarus. Now, as he begins a new life in exile, he is asking for support to complete vocational training and become financially independent.
My name is Oleg Rubets, and I am from Pinsk. In 2020, I was 18 years old when I joined the peaceful protests. I was detained by the riot police, severely beaten, and later sentenced to five and a half years in a correctional facility in connection with the so-called “mass riots” case. Later, my sentence was extended by another year and a half under Article 411 for alleged “persistent disobedience.”
During my five years in prison, I was transferred between several places of detention, including Novopolotsk, Zhodzina Prison, and Vawkavysk. Two of those years I spent in prison isolation.
In December 2025, I was forcibly expelled from Belarus together with other political prisoners. I had no real choice about where to go or how to begin my new life.
I applied for international protection in Poland and recently received legal status and the right to work. Now I am starting over completely on my own. I have no savings, no stable job, and no family nearby – my parents remain in Belarus.
My accommodation was covered for the first two months, but now I have to pay for it myself. So far, I have not been able to find stable employment. Like many others, I worked informally in construction. The pay was very low, the work was physically exhausting, and it took up my entire day – from early morning until ten at night – for just 25 PLN per hour.
To become financially independent, I want to qualify as a long-haul truck driver. I already hold a Category C driving licence. I only need to obtain the Category CE licence for articulated vehicles and the Code 95 professional qualification, which is required to work as a commercial driver in the European Union.
I know the job is demanding, but it offers a real opportunity to earn a decent living, support myself, and stop relying on financial assistance. Right now, this is the clearest path toward rebuilding my life.
I cannot realistically combine full-time study with work. There are no jobs available that would allow me to do both. For now, I have found temporary work driving a van with a Category B licence. It will provide some income, but it is not enough to solve my financial situation. I still need help covering my rent while I complete my training.
I am not asking for money simply to get by. I am asking for support with my training and accommodation while I prepare for a profession that will allow me to support myself. Once I obtain my Category CE licence and Code 95 qualification, I will have a real career and a genuine opportunity to build a stable future in Poland.
My goal is simple: to build an independent life in Poland, work, and never have to ask for help again.
Fundraising goal
€2500
€1500 – professional driver training: Category CE licence, Code 95 qualification, medical examination, and related expenses
€750 – accommodation during the training period and transition into employment
€250 – essential living expenses