Occupation: Self-Employed

Country of Birth: Ukraine (Sabirabad Village Ulajali)

Current: St. Paul, MN

“War is a terrible thing. It is suffering that repeats every day.”

Born and raised in Azerbaijan, Gunduz Aghazada’s childhood was shaped by the hardships of war as he witnessed its devastating toll on families and communities. In 2001, Gunduz moved to Ukraine to support his family and soon built a life there with his Ukrainian wife and two sons.

Initially, Gunduz spoke Russian, common in Dnipro, but in 2014, as Russia’s aggression escalated, he began learning Ukrainian as a form of protest. This choice reflected his resistance to propaganda and his deep connection to Ukraine.

When the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, Gunduz prioritized his family’s safety and left with them. Their journey as refugees took them through Moldova, Romania, Austria, and Germany before finding refuge in the U.S. through the U4U program. Despite losing everything–his home, car, and business–Gunduz remains grateful for the warmth of his sponsors in Minnesota and the opportunities to rebuild his life. His sponsors are Annette, Dawn, Karen, Katie Mary, Vicki, and their family members and friends. 

It’s only been a few months since he arrived in the U.S. Gunduz’s sons attend school while he learns English at the International Institute. Though he misses Ukraine and Azerbaijan, he continues to pray for peace and hopes his children will have a brighter future.