Stories

On July 3, 2022, the Russians captured Lysychansk, and the city remains occupied, with 60% of its infrastructure destroyed.

“The mere fact that he could breathe on his own gave hope. When [the doctors – ed.] took away the ventilator, and he started breathing on his own, it felt as if he was already healthy,” recalled Roman’s father.

The war has dramatically changed the life of the town and its residents, but it has not ruined their hopes of seeing thousands of tourists in peaceful and free New York in Ukraine.

“For some, the basement, in which they have been staying for months, has become the safest place”. Such “safe” places generate hope that you can outwait the war near your home. “It is false hope.”

“I wanted to restore everything and the desire to do better was higher than fear and bad memories from the past. I wanted to give people love and happiness, as we all need support now.”

“On February 24th I took a bath, drank my tea, and called my psychotherapist to say goodbye. Only after that I went to the Military Commissariat,” Dmytro recalls.

“There are also children who are still in the town, but study with us remotely. Of course, it’s not very safe for their parents, but they deliberately made this choice.”

“I’m still in a state of shock from the fact that there is a war in Ukraine. Both people and animals need help. Therefore, I do everything that depends on me. Because are there any other options?”

“Both then and now, I dreamed of being useful. I wanted my contribution to the history of Ukraine to be only positive. Maybe it sounds a little childish or naive, but that’s how it was and still is.”

“I realized what a good life we have in England and how lucky I am to live in a country without war. (…) This war is a war between right and wrong. Foreigners should continue to help Ukraine until they regain their right to live freely on their land.”

“Let’s see how many degrees it is here,” says Nina and touches the thermometer with her hand. Nina can hardly see, but she remembers very well where things are. It’s 12 degrees Celsius.

“I knew that I would make the choice to join the Armed Forces, but I thought it would happen sooner. I have never spoken about it out loud, but I want to make maximum efforts to bring our victory closer.”