In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea and, backed by separatists, seized control of Ukraine’s Donbas region. The full-scale invasion that followed dramatically expanded the geography and scale of the war. Russian forces invaded other regions of Ukraine and occupied parts of the Kharkiv Oblast. In the fall of 2022, Ukrainian forces regained control of a significant portion of Kharkiv Oblast.

The occupation and hostilities resulted in the destruction of infrastructure and residential buildings, as well as thousands of casualties, including children. Photographs document the lives of young people who endured the occupation in Kharkiv Oblast. These children will soon become full members of Ukrainian society. They will receive identity documents, the right to vote, and the right to choose their future, and will be endowed with the powers and duties, as well as the legacy of mistakes and trauma, of previous generations. They will have to bear the burden of a future that will emerge from today’s militarized reality. Children of war are not only victims but also witnesses to the crimes and tragedies that continue to unfold before their eyes.

As of September 2024, Russian forces have launched a new offensive on Kharkiv Oblast. Fierce fighting is currently underway. Local residents are once again in great danger, facing shelling and the hardships of war. Created in 2023-2024.

Milena. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. December 2023.

Milena is 4 years old and lives in the village of Slatyne in Kharkiv Oblast. When she was 2 years old, Russian troops invaded the territory of Kharkiv Oblast, and heavy shelling began in the village. The girl and her mother hid in a cold basement without light or communication for several weeks.

On March 8, they managed to escape from the village. After the de-occupation, Milena and her mother returned home and saw that the building had no windows. Currently, explosions can be heard constantly in the village, as the Russians have begun a renewed offensive in Kharkiv Oblast.

 

Daniil. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Izyum. January 2024.

Daniil is 6 years old and lives with his grandmother and mother in Izyum. During the Russian occupation, they did not leave the city and hid from the shelling under the bed or between two walls.

The boy endured all the hardships of life in an occupied city: fear, terror from shelling and airstrikes, as well as the lack of medical care, food, heat, light, gas, electricity, communication, education, and friends.

 

Andrei. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. December 2023.

Andrei is nine years old, and he lives with his parents and little brother in the village of Slatyne in Kharkiv Oblast. During the Russian offensive, the village found itself between the opposing sides and suffered greatly from the hostilities. At the beginning of the full-scale conflict, Andrei and his family spent several months in a cold basement.

Later, they managed to evacuate to Kharkiv, which was also experiencing constant rocket strikes. The family settled in a bomb shelter to find temporary refuge.

After the de-occupation, Andrei and his family returned home and discovered that their house was damaged: there was no roof, windows, or doors. The boy’s school was also destroyed. Nevertheless, Andrei studies online and enjoys solving complex math problems, which helps him distract from the difficulties.

Valeria. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Akhtyrka. December 2023.

Valeria loves to sing songs and mold figures out of clay. She dreams of becoming a firefighter like her dad. She lives with her mother and dog in Akhtyrka, Sumy Oblast. Her mother is afraid to take Valeria to kindergarten because air raid alerts are frequently declared in the city due to drone attacks.

Previously, Valeria lived in the village of New York in Donetsk Oblast, which was in the frontline zone from 2014 to 2022. From time to time, the village suffered from shelling by the so-called «DPR,» and shells would fall just a kilometer from their home. Valeria’s family constantly heard explosions and gradually became accustomed to such an environment.

However, after the full-scale invasion, the village found itself on the frontline, and the intensity of the shelling increased. Valeria, her parents, and their Belgian Shepherd hid in the basement, where there was no electricity or communication. Outside, the temperature dropped to -17 degrees, and it was very cold; the dog lay on Valeria’s legs, keeping her warm with its body heat. Their house shook from the explosions, and ultimately, Valeria’s family decided to evacuate under fire.

Now Valeria’s dad works as a rescuer in the State Emergency Service in the frontline city of Toretsk, while Valeria herself dreams of returning to her hometown of New York, keeping hope for a better future and striving towards her dream in her heart.

 

Vitaliy. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast.  December 2023.

Vitaliy lives in the village of Slatyne in Kharkiv Oblast with his older brother and family. In 2022, the village came under heavy shelling. The boy spent two months in a cold basement, hiding from the shelling and bombings. They were helped to evacuate by volunteers.

After the de-occupation, Vitaliy’s family returned to the village and found that the school and kindergarten building were destroyed, and their home also suffered damage from the shelling. Now, the family is trying to restore their usual way of life despite the consequences of the war.

 

Alevtina. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast.  December 2023

Alevtina is in the second grade and lives in Kharkiv Oblast. The time of her carefree childhood was shattered when the village became a target of massive shelling. Together with her family, she had to spend two months in a basement, trying to shelter from the horrifying sounds outside.

As April approached, military actions became more intense, and people, unable to bear the fear, decided to evacuate to safer places, leaving their homes amid the sounds of gunfire. Upon returning later after liberation, they found their home damaged, and now Alevtina’s family is busy with its restoration.

The alarming sounds of shelling and bombings have left a mark on the girl and have shaped her emotional state. Every time she hears an explosion, Alevtina rushes to the shower, where she feels it is safe.

Unfortunately, Alevtina’s school has also been destroyed, and now she studies online, like many children in the de-occupied Kharkiv region.

Katya. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast.  December 2023.

Katya lives in the village of Slatyne in Kharkiv Oblast. In 2022, the frontline ran near the village, and local residents found themselves between two opposing sides. The village lost gas, light, and electricity, and the weather outside was freezing.

The girl and her mother spent two months in a cold basement and could not warm up. In April, continuous shelling began, and people ran out of the basement in whatever they were wearing, without any belongings, and left by car.

They returned a year later and saw that half of the village and the school were destroyed. After the de-occupation, explosions are constantly heard in the village, and locals hear Russia launching missile strikes on nearby towns and villages. Despite all the challenges, Katya and her mother are trying to rebuild their lives and maintain hope for the future.

 

Zlata. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. December 2023.

Zlata is 6 years old and studies online in the first grade. The girl lives with her mother and younger brother in the village of Khotimlya in Kharkiv Oblast. During the occupation, Zlata stayed in the village and experienced all the hardships of wartime life.

She loves playing with her little brother and helps her mother around the house. Zlata dreams of becoming a police officer to maintain order and protect people.

 

Rustam. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Okhtyrka. December 2023.

Rustam is 7 years old, and he lives with his mother in Okhtyrka. The city is located 50 km from the Russian border. Hostilities began here on the first day of the war and continued almost a month. The city of 48,000 people became one of the most affected in the Sumy region. Russian forces dropped three vacuum bombs on Okhtyrka, shelled it with rockets and bombed it, resulting in the destruction of the thermal power plant and a number of other facilities.

Maxim. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Akhtyrka. December 2023.

Maxim dreams of becoming a firefighter. He lives in Akhtyrka, Sumy Oblast, with his mother, older sister, a cat, and a bird named Belyash. Before the spring of 2022, Maxim lived in a village near the Russian border, through which Russian tanks passed during the full-scale invasion. The village was shelled daily by Russian forces.

Volunteers helped the boy’s family evacuate to Akhtyrka, but there they also faced active military operations. It is currently unsafe in Akhtyrka, as explosions can be heard constantly when Shahed drones are shot down.

Maxim dreams of returning home, but sometimes relatives call from his native village and say, «Don’t come back; we are shelled every day, homes are destroyed, and the infrastructure is gone. You have nowhere to return to.» These messages make Maxim anxious, as he misses his hometown, but he understands that the safety of his family is the most important thing right now.

 

Maria. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. December 2023.

Maria lives in the village of Khotimlya in Kharkiv Oblast. The girl dreams of becoming a programmer. In the early days of the full-scale invasion, Russian troops passed by the village, but soon Khotimlya was occupied. The Russians destroyed the bridges, making it impossible to reach Kharkiv.

Panic reigned in the village, as everything flying toward Kharkiv passed over Khotimlya. During the occupation, there was no electricity or communication. Local residents had no way to call their relatives to let them know that they were safe.

Maria spent the entire time of the occupation in the village with her family. Now, Russian troops are attempting a renewed offensive in Kharkiv Oblast, and the girl’s village is in danger, as it is located near the frontline and is subjected to shelling.

 

Esmira. Ukraine. Kharkiv region.  December 2023.

Esmira lives in the village of Zarechne in the Kharkiv region. The village was occupied by the Russians in the first days of the war. The Russians blew up the bridge, and local residents were unable to evacuate. Russian soldiers stationed heavy weapons behind houses and fired at Ukrainian positions, resulting in shells flying over the heads of local residents.

Esmira and her mother were unable to evacuate and therefore remained under occupation all this time. The girl loves to draw and dreams of becoming a teacher. However, now Russian troops have launched a new offensive, and Esmira’s village is once again under fire.

 

Vladik. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. December 2023.

Vladik lives with his mother in the village of Slatyne in Kharkiv Oblast. In February 2022, active hostilities began in the village, and the boy and his mother went down to the basement to shelter from the shelling. Due to the fighting, electricity, communication, and gas were lost. It was very cold in the basement, with temperatures dropping to -17 degrees, and there was no way to heat it.

The boy fell ill from hypothermia, and they spent several months in the basement, until mid-April. They managed to evacuate under fire, risking their lives. After the de-occupation, they returned to their village, but now Russian troops have begun a repeated offensive in Kharkiv Oblast, and the village is once again under shelling. Vladik and his mother continue to hope for a peaceful future despite the new threat.

 

Kyryl . Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. December 2024.

Kyryl is 4 years old and studies online in kindergarten. The boy lives with his mother Olya in the village of Zarechne in Kharkiv Oblast. In February 2022, the village came under Russian occupation, and they spent most of their time in the basement. Life in the shelter was difficult: they faced food shortages and often went hungry, barely surviving.

One day, while Kyryl was playing in the yard, a shell landed near their neighbors. Miraculously, shrapnel did not hit the boy, but he was very frightened. The villagers heard Russian shells flying toward Kharkiv and Stari Saltiv every day. Russian troops set up their artillery right behind the village and fired continuously. Additionally, they began bombing from airplanes. It was very frightening; it felt like the plane was flying right above the house, and a terrible noise could be heard.

When the occupiers bombed the Pechenihy dam, mobile communication in the village disappeared, and people were unable to evacuate to Ukrainian-controlled territories. Kyryl and his mother lived under occupation for five months before they managed to leave the village. After the de-occupation, they returned and saw that the roof of their house was damaged.

Now, Russian troops have begun a renewed offensive in Kharkiv Oblast, and Kyryl ‘s village is again being shelled.

 

Kostik. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. December 2023.

Kostik is 7 years old and studies online in the second grade. He lives with his family in Slatyne, Kharkiv Oblast. From February to April, Kostik was at home in the epicenter of the hostilities, and his family spent this time in the basement.

There was no electricity, heat, or communication in the village. The outdoor temperatures dropped to -17 degrees, and it was very cold in the basement. Sometimes the shelling was so intense that people could not leave the basement for several days to get food from their home. During those times, the only thing that saved them were the crusts of bread they had dried for their dogs. It was very loud and frightening when a factory was bombed nearby.

Ultimately, Kostik’s family decided to leave the village at their own risk, driving out under shelling. After the de-occupation, the family returned home, but memories of what they endured continue to haunt them.

 

Vladik. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast.  December 2023.

Vladik is 7 years old, and he loves watching cartoons and molding figures out of clay. The boy lives in Slatyne, Kharkiv Oblast. In 2022, the village was located along the line of demarcation, caught between two opposing sides, which led to intense fighting.

From February to summer, Vladik and his mother stayed in the basement without electricity, communication, or gas. During those times, they were very scared. Now, Vladik studies online in the second grade since his school was destroyed. He did not have a first bell ceremony, and he dreams of school celebrations, recess, and friendships with classmates, which he currently does not have. Despite the difficult times, Vladik hopes that one day he will be able to return to normal life and education.

 

Maxim. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast.  December 2023.

Maxim is 8 years old. He studies online and loves mathematics. The boy lives in the village of Khotimlya in Kharkiv Oblast with his little sister and parents. Throughout the occupation, the family remained in the village, and during the hostilities, they had to sleep in a cold basement.

During this difficult time, they faced food shortages, a lack of communication, and electricity. The occupation lasted for six months, and each day brought new challenges. Now, the Russians have begun a renewed offensive, and Maxim’s village is once again under shelling.

 

Nikita. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. December 2023.

Nikita is 11 years old. He lives in a village in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine. In 2022, his village was under Russian occupation. The boy loves football and collects patches. His father is fighting in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and to support his father, Nikita wears the uniform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

 

Rostislav. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Izium. January 2024.

Rostislav is 6 years old. He loves football and building with Lego. The boy lives with his parents in Izium. When the military actions began, Rostik’s family went down to the basement. The parents didn’t want to scare the boy, and when they heard explosions, his father explained to him that it was the stars in the sky exploding.

Rostislav and his parents managed to leave the city before the occupation. When they returned, they saw a half-destroyed city, and shells were falling into the yard of their house, which was also damaged. Currently, Rostik and his parents live in his grandmother’s house, trying to rebuild their lives.

Myroslava. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Izium. January 2024.

Myroslava is 6 years old. She lives in Izium with her family, a guinea pig named Zhorik, and a cat named Masik. In the early days of the full-scale invasion, the girl and her mother evacuated to a nearby village, but soon that village was occupied by Russian troops.

During the shelling and bombings, Myroslava and her mother hid in the basement. Her mother tried to shield her from the horrors of war. When they heard explosions, she would tell her daughter it was a fireworks display. They spent a month in the cold, dark basement, without electricity or communication. Sometimes Russians would come to search the house, which added to their fear.

After the de-occupation, Myroslava returned to Izium, where she and her family are still adjusting to the new reality.

 

Oleg. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Izium. January 2024.

Oleg, his three sisters, and their parents live in Izium. The boy is 13 years old and is studying online. He doesn’t have a laptop, so he watches his lessons on his phone. Oleg is into track and field, loves running, and used to go to competitions in Kharkiv. During the Russian occupation, he had to stop training.

Oleg spent the entire occupation with his family in Izium. The first few months were especially difficult. Almost all the locals were hiding in basements, but Oleg’s house didn’t have a basement, so during the shelling, his family was on the floor in the corridor, between two walls. They slept on the floor, sheltering from the freezing temperatures. There was a shortage of electricity, gas, and communication. Eventually, they got a wood-burning stove and started heating it to survive.

The children cried and were afraid of the shelling and bombing. Oleg’s mother decided to evacuate them, and they came to a minibus that was evacuating people. But at the last moment, she changed her mind. That same day, the mother learned that the vehicle had been shelled on the way out of Izium, and the people in it had died. This decision saved their lives but left a deep mark on the whole family’s soul.

 

Sofia. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Izium. January 2024.

Sofia is 8 years old, and she loves to draw. The girl is in the 2nd grade and lives with her grandmother in Izium. In the first days of the full-scale invasion, Sofia’s family hid in the basement, taking cover from the bombing. It was cold and dark there.

The shelling was so intense that people thought the city would be completely destroyed. They were afraid that when they came out of the basement, they would not see any houses or streets. Sofia and her mother were evacuated from Izium and went to the Czech Republic. There, Sofia’s mother had a minor skin surgery, but an infection got into her body, and unfortunately, Sofia’s mother died.

After that, the girl was taken back to Ukraine by her grandmother. Now Sofia lives in Izium, trying to rebuild her life and cope with the loss.

Masha. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Izyum. January 2024.

Masha is 12 years old and studies online in the 7th grade. The girl loves to cook and draw. She lives in Izyum with her mother and older sister. During the Russian advance in 2022, Masha was in the city, and it was very frightening. It is especially hard for her to remember the planes flying overhead and dropping bombs on the city.

One day, a Russian plane dropped a bomb near the house where Masha’s grandparents lived. The bomb hit a neighboring house where a family of eight people was staying. Everyone in that house died. After that, Masha and her family evacuated.

After the de-occupation, they returned to their partially destroyed city and immediately came under a massive attack by Shahed drones. The attack began at night, and the next morning they saw that their school had been destroyed as a result of the strike. Masha’s home was also damaged during the fighting for Izyum: a mine hit the building, tearing off a corner of the house and the roof, and the windows were blown out while the ceilings collapsed.

Now, Masha’s mother is restoring their home. The roof is covered with plastic sheeting, and they continue to live this way, hoping for a peaceful future.

 

Danya. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. December 2023.

Danya lives in Kharkiv Oblast and studies in the sixth grade. He loves to sing and draw, dreams of becoming a blogger, going to school, and wishing for the war to finally end. When the full-scale invasion began, he was at home with his mother and three brothers. For two months, they hid in the basement, then evacuated to a safe place.

During the fighting, the roof of their house collapsed, the summer kitchen was destroyed, and the windows were blown out. Danya’s school was also destroyed, and now he studies online. After the de-occupation, the family returned home. The village where Danya lives is on the northern side of Kharkiv, and he constantly hears Russia bombing nearby settlements. Danya has learned to distinguish by the sound of explosions which city is under bombardment.

 

Anya. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. December 2023.

Anya has turned ten years old, and she loves spending time with her younger brother, playing with animals, and dreams of becoming a veterinarian. The girl lives with her family in the village  in Kharkiv Oblast. However, their lives changed when Russian troops blew up a bridge, and Anya’s family was unable to evacuate.

During the period of occupation, they remained in the village and did not leave. Anya often felt fear due to the loud explosions, and she now recalls those difficult days filled with danger and uncertainty with anxiety. Despite all the challenges, the girl tries not to lose hope and continues to study online. She dreams of achieving her goal of becoming a veterinarian.

Arina. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Izyum. January 2023.

Arina studies online in the fifth grade and lives with her grandmother in the city of Izyum in Kharkiv Oblast. The city was occupied by Russian troops, and in the spring of 2022, Arina and her grandmother spent two weeks in a cold basement, hiding from the shelling.

Once, Arina witnessed a Russian plane drop a bomb on the city. After that, they evacuated to Mykolaiv, where it was also unsafe due to constant shelling. After the de-occupation of Izyum, Arina and her grandmother returned home and found that all the windows and doors in their house had been blown out.

Arina takes medication to recover her mental health, as the horrific events of the war have left a deep mark on her memory. She begins to panic and scream when she sees a military vehicle or hears an air raid siren.

Matvey. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Izyum. January 2024.

Matvey is 8 years old and studies online in the second grade. The boy loves to sing, ride his bicycle, and practices taekwondo, holding a yellow belt. He lives with his mother in Izyum. Throughout the entire occupation, they remained in the city because they did not want to leave their elderly grandmother behind.

At the beginning of the occupation, there were intense shellings in Izyum, and Matvey’s family would go down to the basement. The boy would sit in his mother’s arms, afraid that she would leave him in that dangerous place. There was a loss of electricity, outdoor temperatures dropped to -17 degrees, and it was very cold in the basement. At their own risk, people moved into the house to warm up next to a stove that was heated with firewood.

After the de-occupation, Matvey became more withdrawn and cautious. However, he is gradually becoming calmer and more sociable as he adapts to the new reality.

 

Nikita. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Izium. January 2024.

Nikita is 10 years old. He is a 4th-grader studying online and dreams of going to school. The boy lives in Izium with his mother, older sister, two cats, and a dog named Bim. When Russian troops occupied Izium, Nikita and his family hid in the basement, taking cover from the shelling.

The city was subjected to heavy shelling, and as a result, almost all of it was destroyed. Once, when Nikita and his family were in the basement, a shell hit their house. People were afraid to go out, they were afraid to see ruins instead of a house and cried out of fear.

When they managed to get out of the basement, they saw that part of the building had been destroyed as a result of the explosion: the roof had been blown off, and the explosion had damaged the gas pipe. After that, Nikita’s family decided to leave the city for the territory controlled by Ukraine. The road from the occupied city passed through Russia, then Belarus, and Poland.

After the de-occupation, Nikita and his family returned to Izium.

 

Yulia. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Izium. January 2024.

Yulia lives in Izium. In the first days of the full-scale invasion, the girl and her parents hid in the basement from the shelling. These were terrifying times, especially as Yulia was afraid of the sounds of airplanes. On March 8, the Russians dropped a bomb on a factory, and the city lost electricity.

After that, Yulia’s parents decided to leave the city. When they returned, they saw that the city was badly damaged, and, crying with happiness, they learned that their house had survived. Yulia’s school is destroyed, and now she studies in the 3rd grade online. Despite the difficulties, Yulia loves mathematics and dreams of becoming a doctor.

Nastya. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. December 2023.

Nastya is 13 years old. She’s an 8th-grader studying online and lives with her younger brother and family in the village of Zarechne, Kharkiv region. The Russians bombed the bridge, and the villagers couldn’t evacuate. Russian troops installed Grad multiple rocket launchers near the homes of civilians to prevent Ukrainian forces from retaliating and shelled Ukrainian positions. Shells flew over the heads of local residents. Russian aircraft also flew overhead, dropping bombs on Ukrainian cities.

Nastya and her family stayed in the basement, following the «two walls» rule. They rarely left home out of fear. The girl loves drawing very much and spent a lot of time doing it. Drawing was the only thing that calmed her and compensated for the lack of communication, news, friends, and studies.

There was no electricity, gas, or communication in the village. At one high point in the village, it was possible to catch a cell phone signal and call relatives to report that they were alive. Once, Nastya and her grandmother climbed a hill to call relatives. Her grandmother took out her phone, and Nastya saw three helicopters approaching them. Two of them flew on to shell Ukrainian positions, and the third hovered over the grandmother and girl.

At that moment, her grandmother pushed Nastya, and they tumbled into the weeds. In panic, they got up and saw that the helicopter was still hovering over them. Her grandmother fell on the girl, trying to protect her with her body. They stayed that way until the helicopter flew away.

Due to the constant stress that Nastya experienced during the occupation, she developed a hormonal imbalance. Currently, the village is again under shelling and bombing by Russian troops.

Dominika. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Izium. January 2024.

Dominika is 4 years old, and she loves to draw. The girl dreams of having a pink car. She lives with her family in Izyum. During the occupation of the city, Dominika stayed at home with her family.

During the shelling, they would sit on the floor in the hallway, trying to shelter from the danger. The house was very cold, as there was no electricity or gas, and the temperature inside dropped to -1 degree Celsius. For the past two years, explosions have been heard in Izyum as Russians bomb nearby towns and villages. The loud sounds scare Dominika, and she tries to find comfort next to her loved ones.

 

Nadia. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Izium. January 2024.

Nadia is 6 years old. She loves playing hide-and-seek and riding a scooter. She has a cat named Gavryusha. Nadia lived with her family in the village of Studenky until February 24, 2022. When Russian troops began shelling the village, the electricity and gas were cut off. Nadia, her mother, and older brother moved to Svyatogorsk, where they fell under Russian occupation until September.

Once, when Nadia’s brother was outside, a shell exploded nearby. A large shrapnel flew past the boy’s head and, fortunately, missed him. Nadia was very afraid of the shelling and bombing. Her father rescued people from nearby villages, evacuating the elderly and those who were caught in the crossfire.

In September, Nadia’s mother decided to move with the children to Izium, where her grandmother lived. They traveled through forests and plantations. When they arrived in Izium, the Russian troops had retreated. However, after experiencing the terrible bombings, Nadia began to stutter.

Diana. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Izyum. January 2024.

Diana is 6 years old and studies online in the first grade. She loves to dance and recite poetry, and she has a three-year-old brother. They live in Izyum and spent the entire time of the occupation at home.

Diana’s family lives in a five-story building. In their entrance, 25 residents hid in the basement during shelling while the Russians captured the city. For several months, the children did not go outside, fearing for their safety.

One day, Diana and her little brother were near the entrance when they saw the school being bombed by airstrikes. This terrifying moment still affects Diana’s brother: he is afraid of airplanes, and when he sees them, he panics. Despite all the fears, Diana tries to support her brother and continues to engage in the activities she enjoys.

 

Myroslava. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Izium. January 2024.

Myroslava lives in Izium. Her mother’s name is Yaroslava. Myroslava is a long-awaited and adored child in the family. The girl loves to draw and dance. Starting next year, she will be studying online in the first grade, as her school was destroyed in 2022. Her mother dreams that her daughter can study at school and experience all the joys of school life: the first bell, communicating with friends, new girlfriends, breaks between classes, and school concerts.

Unfortunately, children in frontline cities are deprived of this opportunity due to destroyed schools, the danger of missile strikes, and the lack of bomb shelters.

In the first days of the full-scale war, Myroslava and her mother left for a village in the Izium district, but the village fell on the front line and was caught between the warring parties under heavy shelling. They survived as best they could, hiding in the basement. As a result of the battles, the village was destroyed, and Myroslava and Yaroslava moved to another village, where they again faced shelling. They had to live in basements and cellars. Later, the mother and daughter were evacuated to Ternopil. After de-occupation, they returned to Izium.

Margarita. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. December 2023.

Margarita is 3 years old and lives with her parents in the village of Slatyne in Kharkiv Oblast. In 2022, their village found itself between two frontlines, and the residents realized they were in the epicenter of the events. Initially, the family sat in the basement, hiding from the shelling.

Margarita was very afraid of the sounds of explosions: each time a loud noise occurred, she would flinch in fear. During this time, there were problems with food, water, electricity, and communication. The family evacuated from Slatyne in April, but after the de-occupation, they returned home.

Unfortunately, Margarita’s mother learned that a rocket had hit their neighbors, destroying their home and claiming the life of a neighbor. Margarita often talks about the war, emphasizing how deeply it has affected her young life. Now, Russian troops have begun a renewed offensive in Kharkiv Oblast, and the girl’s village is again under shelling, bringing her the same anxiety as before.

 

Maxim. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Izyum. January 2024.

Maxim is 8 years old. He plays sports and studies online at school. The boy lives with his family in Izyum. Throughout the entire period of Russian occupation, they stayed at home, as they did not have a basement and had no way to shelter from the shelling.

His parents boarded up the windows with bricks to prevent glass from shattering during explosions. They left small gaps for light to somewhat illuminate the house. They do not want to remove the bricks from the windows since the war is ongoing. The echoes of war constantly reach the city, and Russia bombs nearby villages and towns.

The children are frightened, and when Maxim’s younger brother hears explosions, he falls to the floor. Maxim stands beside his brother and reassures him: «Marik, don’t worry, it’s just the shockwave reaching us.» Despite the fears, Maxim tries to support his brother so that he feels safer.

 

Vsevolod. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Izium. January 2024.

Vsevolod lives in Izium. The boy and his parents managed to escape from the Russian occupation. During the heavy fighting, they were unable to evacuate their pets, and unfortunately, their dogs and cat died. Vsevolod’s house was destroyed during the bombing.

After de-occupation, Vsevolod and his parents returned to their hometown. Now the boy is studying online in the 6th grade and is engaged in mixed martial arts, trying to adapt to the new reality after the difficulties he has experienced.

Yegor. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. December 2024.

Yegor studies online in the 3rd grade. He lives with his grandmother, older sister, and mother in the village of Zarechne in Kharkiv Oblast. Yegor’s mother has issues with her leg and cannot walk, as she is disabled. The entire family stayed with her and was unable to evacuate from the village during the occupation.

The Russians blew up a bridge, leaving local residents cut off from Kharkiv. Russian troops set up Grad multiple rocket launchers in the village and fired on Ukrainian positions, with projectiles flying overhead. People hid in basements, fearing to go outside. The basement in Yegor’s house was fragile and could only protect them from mines, so they adhered to the rule of having two walls between them and the danger.

One day, Yegor’s grandmother went into the hallway and cried when she saw Yegor and his sister sitting on their knees, covering their ears with their hands and opening their mouths, waiting for the next explosions. The family faced challenges with food: before the war, Yegor only ate buckwheat and pasta, but their food supplies ran out, and the boy was hungry. They survived on eggs.

Given that it was terrifying to go outside, they stayed home all the time. The six months of occupation were very difficult, and Yegor began to stutter. As a result, other children laughed at him and mocked him. He became withdrawn and only communicated with his grandmother and sister.

Now, Russian troops have begun a renewed offensive in Kharkiv Oblast, and Yegor’s village is once again subjected to shelling and bombings.

 

Sofia. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Zarechne village. December 2023.

Sofia is 8 years old. She lives with her grandmother in the village of Zarechne, Kharkiv region. The village was occupied by the Russians in the first days of the full-scale invasion. At first, the girl and her grandmother sat in the basement because of the shelling, experiencing great fear.

Russian soldiers went from house to house and conducted searches, and helicopters and military aircraft constantly flew over the village. When Sofia heard the sound of approaching aircraft, she ran to hide in the cellar. There was no communication, electricity, or gas in the village, which added difficulties to their daily lives.

The village was de-occupied in the fall of 2022, but now Russian troops are launching a new invasion of the Kharkiv region, and the girl’s village is once again in the immediate vicinity of the front lines.

Danil. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Izyum. January 2024.

Danil is 7 years old, and he loves to draw. The boy lives with his brother, mother, cat Vasily, and dog in the city of Izyum. Throughout the occupation, they remained in their city.

On the evening of March 3, the Russians began a massive shelling of Izyum. Danil’s grandmother went to the basement of a multi-story building with a friend, while the boy, his brother, and their mother descended into the basement of their own house. After some time, an explosion occurred above their heads: a shell hit their home. People ran out into the street without outer clothing, despite the freezing weather.

Meanwhile, Danil’s grandmother was descending into the basement of the multi-story building when an explosion happened. She was thrown down and sustained serious injuries. The people in the basement tried to help her and provide first aid, but during the explosion, there was an accident with the utilities, and water flooded the basement. In panic, people scattered.

An emergency service team arrived at 2 o’clock at night. Danil’s grandmother was still alive, but she later died in the hospital from injuries incompatible with life. She was buried in an unmarked grave, and Danil’s mother is still searching for her.

Danil’s house was burned to the ground, and now his family lives in a small old house on a nearby street, which has neither belongings nor furniture, but they are trying to rebuild their lives.

 

Nazariy. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. December 2023.

Nazariy is 4 years old. He lives with his grandmother in the village of Zarechne, Kharkiv region. The Russians captured the village in the first days of the full-scale invasion, bombing the bridge and cutting off the evacuation route for local residents.

In the first days of the occupation, people hid in basements, facing problems with electricity, communication, gas, and food. In September 2022, the village was de-occupied, but now Russian troops have launched a new offensive on the Kharkiv region, and the village where Nazariy lives is again under fire.

 

Anya. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Akhtyrka. December 2023.

Anya dreams of working in the police to protect her parents. She lives with her mother and younger brother in the city of Akhtyrka in Sumy Oblast. Before the spring of 2022, Anya lived in a small village located just 4 kilometers from the Russian border. Every day, their village was subjected to shelling.

On March 22, 2022, Anya and her family evacuated from their home, and since then, the girl has been very afraid of shelling. She is afraid of being left alone, so she always stays close to her mother. Anya worries about her future and once asked her mom, «When I grow up, will my children also live in a war?»

 

Yegor. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Izyum. January 2024.

Yegor lives with his family in Izyum. The boy studies online in the 3rd grade and dreams of becoming a police officer. During the Russian occupation, his family did not leave the city and hid in a cold basement during the shelling.

In April, due to continuous shelling from Russian troops, Izyum was almost completely destroyed. The residents of the city were left without electricity, gas, heating, sewage, mobile communication, and access to medical services. By March, the situation in Izyum reached the scale of a humanitarian catastrophe.

In September 2022, Izyum was liberated by Ukrainian forces. According to Ukrainian authorities, over 1,000 local residents died during the six months of occupation.

 

Polina. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Izium. January 2024.

Polina is 2.5 years old. She lives with her family in Izium. Polina was six months old when the Russians occupied the city. During the shelling, the family went down to the basement to take shelter from the danger. The city had no electricity, gas, or water, and the temperature outside dropped to -17 degrees Celsius.

Local residents froze in the basements, trying to protect themselves from the cold. Russian soldiers came to Polina’s house and conducted searches, which added stress and anxiety to their lives. In half a year of occupation, Izium was almost completely destroyed. There are almost no buildings in the city with intact windows and walls. Up to 90% of residential buildings, hospitals, and schools have been destroyed.

 

Kateryna. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. December 2023.

Kateryna is a single mother with four children, the youngest of whom is only two months old. She receives help from her brother, who lives nearby. It is difficult to survive, as there is not enough money for the essentials. They live in the village of Khotimlya in Kharkiv Oblast.

During the occupation, Kateryna and her children remained in the village the entire time. They spent their days in the basement without light or heat, facing hunger. Now, Russian troops have begun a renewed offensive, and the village is located near the frontline, which poses additional threats to the family.

 

Roma. Ukraine. Kharkiv region.  December 2023.

Roma is 5 years old. He doesn’t attend kindergarten. The boy dreams of working at the Bisquitka factory, where his grandmother and father work. Soon, Roma will go to the first grade and will study online, as the school is destroyed.

Roma’s family lives in the village of Slatyne, Kharkiv region. During the full-scale invasion, the village was located on the frontline and became the epicenter of events. For several months, the Russians continuously shelled Slatyne.

At first, Roma’s parents planned to stay in the village, hoping that everything would end soon. At first, they went down to the basement, and sometimes Roma’s mother would wake him up in the middle of the night to go down to shelter. At such moments, Roma cried and said: «Mom, I don’t want to go to the cellar anymore.»

In April 2022, the intensity of the shelling increased, and Roma’s grandmother said that it was «like hell.» Roma’s family decided to evacuate under fire. After the de-occupation, they returned home.

 

Alena. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Chystovodivka. October 2023.

Alena is 10 years old. She lives in the village of Chystovodivka, Kharkiv region, with her family and dog. From February to November 2022, the village was under Russian occupation. During this time, Alena’s family endured many hardships: constant shelling, shortages of food and medicine.
Their house, like many others in the village, was damaged. The hardest part was that the school where Alena studied was completely destroyed. Now the girl studies online programs, but she dreams of returning to her school and studying with her friends.

 

Artem. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Mala Rohany. October 2023.

Artem lives in Mala Rohany with his older brother and parents. He studies online in the first grade. In the early days of the war, a shell landed on his school, destroying the roof.

Artem and his family found themselves under occupation, but they managed to evacuate. After the de-occupation, they returned home. However, the echoes of war still reach Mala Rohany when Russia bombs nearby cities. Despite this, Artem tries to focus on his studies and find joy in everyday life, maintaining connections with friends and family.

 

Veronika. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Chystovodivka. October 2023.

Veronika is 4 years old, and she attends online kindergarten. Before 2022, she lived in Izyum, Kharkiv Oblast, with her mother. When Russian troops began to heavily shell the city, Veronika and her mother evacuated to the village of Chystovodivka. However, shortly after, the village came under Russian occupation.

For more than six months, the village was under the control of the occupiers. According to local residents, thousands of units of enemy military equipment passed through Chystovodivka. Veronika endured the harsh conditions of occupation: lack of electricity, heat, communication, social interaction, education, medical care, and food.

Now, the girl lives in Chystovodivka with her mother and is trying to adapt to the new living conditions.

 

Daniil. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Chystovodivka. October 2023.

Daniil lives in the village of Chystovodivka in Kharkiv Oblast. In 2022, the village was under Russian occupation, and the boy spent the entire time of the occupation at home, experiencing terrifying events.

Daniil’s school was destroyed, and now he studies online in the third grade. The military events and heavy experiences remain in his memory, affecting his life and perception of the world.

 

Karina. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Mala Rohany. October 2023.

Karina is 8 years old and lives with her mother in Mala Rohany. In 2022, the city was occupied by Russian soldiers. Throughout the occupation, Karina’s family stayed at home, initially hiding in a cold basement from the shelling.

One day, Karina saw Russian soldiers near her yard. They offered her a chocolate bar, to which the girl replied, «I hate you. Because of you, I can’t go outside.»

After the de-occupation, Karina continues to live in the village. The windows in her house were broken during the fighting, but the girl tries to adapt to the new reality. She studies online and loves to play with dragonflies and butterflies outside.

 

Kyryl . Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Mala Rohany. October 2023.

Kyryl is 5 years old. He lives in Mala Rohany with his parents and younger brother. In 2022, Russian troops captured the city on the second day of the full-scale offensive, and the boy and his family ended up under occupation.

During the hostilities, their home was damaged, the city’s infrastructure suffered, and Kyryl ‘s school was destroyed. His parents cannot find work, which creates additional difficulties for the family. Currently, Kyryl is receiving home schooling, and they are trying to rebuild their lives under challenging conditions.

 

Leonid. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Chystovodivka. October 2023.

Leonid is six years old and lives in Chystovodivka with five siblings in the Izyum district. The boy’s village was under Russian occupation, and his family adapted to survive under shelling.

When Lenya heard the start of shelling, he quickly hid in the basement or against the wall, trying to find shelter from danger. His older brother was injured in the spine while fishing and subsequently underwent surgery. Despite all the hardships and fears, Leonid and his family continue to fight for survival, hoping for a peaceful future.

 

Marina. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Mala Rohany. October 2023.

Marina is 10 years old, and she adores her cat Bulga, as well as loves to draw. The girl lives in Mala Rohany with her mother and younger sister. In the early days of the full-scale offensive, their village was occupied, and Marina’s family spent several weeks in the basement of a multi-story building, hiding from danger.

Along with them in the basement were other residents of the building who were also seeking refuge. In mid-March, Marina and her family evacuated to a safe place. When they returned home, they saw that all the windows in their apartment had been blown out due to shelling. These frightening events left their mark, but Marina tries to look ahead.

 

Milana. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Mala Rohany. October 2023.

Milana is 4 years old and lives with her mother Marina and sister in Mala Rohany, Kharkiv Oblast. Russian occupiers invaded the village on February 25, 2022. The occupiers regularly shelled homes in the settlement and also used artillery and multiple rocket launcher systems to strike Kharkiv from the village. Planes frequently appeared over the village, dropping bombs on Mala Rohany as well.

For several weeks, Milana and her family hid in the basement of a multi-story building, and then the family left the village. The girl found it very difficult to endure the shelling and explosions. Now, when Milana hears the sounds of explosions, she asks her mother, «Is that thunder, or are we being bombed?»

Milana also has speech difficulties, which makes her experiences even more challenging.

 

Polina. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Chystovodivka. October 2023.

Polina is 6 years old. She lives in the village of Chystovodivka, Kharkiv region, with her older sister and parents. In 2022, their village was occupied, which led to serious problems with food, electricity, and communication.

During the fighting, the local school was destroyed, and the children lost the opportunity to study in a familiar environment.

 

Zlata. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Mala Rohany. October 2023.

Zlata lives with her parents in Kharkiv Oblast. Their village was under Russian occupation for eight months. The girl’s house is located by the road along which Russian military vehicles moved around the clock. Because of this, it was terrifying to stay in the house, so the family lived in the basement for several months. They laid hay on the floor and slept on it, warming themselves by a potbelly stove.

There was no electricity or communication in the village. In the fall of 2022, the village was de-occupied. However, the war does not allow them to forget: sometimes, the sounds of explosions can be heard in the settlement when Russia bombs nearby towns and villages.

 

Yaroslav. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Kunye. January 2024.

Yaroslav is in the first grade and lives in a de-occupied village in the Kharkiv region. All the children in the village are studying online. The boy loves mathematics and dreams of becoming a soldier.

In the first days of the full-scale invasion, the Russians shelled Yaroslav’s village. More than half of the village went down to the school basement to take shelter from the shelling. There was an explosion in the bomb shelter: a shell hit it, killing one man instantly and seriously injuring another, who later died in the hospital. At that moment, Yaroslav and his family were in the cellar of their house. Yaroslav’s family spent several months in the cellar without light or heat.

 

Bohdana. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Kunya. October 2023.

Bohdana is 7 years old and studies in the second grade. She lives with her parents, younger brother, and sister in a de-occupied village in Kharkiv Oblast. Her favorite activities are singing and dancing, but she cannot pursue them now since the culture club is destroyed and children cannot attend classes.

In the early days of the war, Russian forces heavily shelled their village. Bohdana’s family, like all the local residents, hid in basements. Unfortunately, one of the neighbors could not find shelter and died in his kitchen when a shell hit his house on February 26.

The people living in the village were forced to hide in basements and cellars for several months, lacking heat, light, communication, and water, as well as essential supplies. Despite all the hardships, Bohdana continues to dream of dancing and singing, hoping for a better future when her dreams can come true.

 

Sofia. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Kunye. October 2023.

Sofia is 8 years old. She is in the second grade and, like the other children in her village, is studying online. The girl loves watching cartoons and drawing. Sofia lives with her parents and older brother in a de-occupied village in the Kharkiv region.

They spent the entire occupation in the village, and the girl saw how Russian troops entered the village in March of last year, and in September they fled under pressure from Ukrainian military. Sofia’s house was damaged during the shelling, but fortunately, she and her family were in the basement at that time.

Sergey. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Kunye. October 2023.

Sergey is 12 years old, he is in the 6th grade and dreams of becoming a policeman. He lives in a de-occupied village in the Kharkiv region. Throughout the occupation, the boy and his parents remained in their native village.

Near the village, the Russians created a military base where they stored and launched Tochka-U missiles, according to an investigation by Human Rights Watch. The village suffered significantly from Russian aggression and occupation. It is impossible to imagine the fear that children experienced during the shelling.

Margarita. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Ivanchenkivka. October 2024.

During the entire period of the Russian occupation, Margarita stayed at home in the village of Kharkiv Oblast. The girl studies online in the second grade. In settlements close to the frontline, schools are not functioning, and all children have been transitioned to online learning.

Civilian targets, including kindergartens and schools, have become popular targets for the Russians. Many educational institutions in various cities across Ukraine have been destroyed. The situation in Kharkiv Oblast is complicated, as the region is constantly subjected to hostile shelling.

In such emergency conditions, only some kindergartens have opened part-time groups, while the majority of children continue their studies online. Margarita, like other children, hopes for a swift end to the war and a return to normal life.

 

Nastya. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. October 2023.

Before the full-scale invasion, Anastasia lived in Kharkiv with her mother Tatiana. In the early days of the war, Nastya was evacuated to Dnipro and then to Lviv. There, the girl experienced a terrible loss—she learned about her mother’s death.

After that, Nastya was taken in by a family-type orphanage, but adapting to her new life was difficult for her. Soon, a woman who had known Nastya and her mother for a long time took her in. This woman is also named Tatiana. Now Anastasia lives with her new family in the de-occupied village of Kharkiv Oblast, where she is trying to find her place and restore her sense of safety and comfort. Each day, Nastya learns to cope with the bitterness of her loss and strives to build a new life, accepting the support of her new mom.

Vanya. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Ivanchenkivka. October 2023.

Before the full-scale offensive, Vanya lived in Izyum with his older sister and parents. The Russians began shelling the city from the first day of the invasion, and to shelter from danger, people hid in basements. On March 3, an aerial bomb fell on their house. While Vanya and his sister were sitting in the basement, their parents were in the house: the blast wave threw their mother aside, giving her a mild concussion, and their father was injured by shrapnel and lay unconscious for a long time.

Vanya’s house was completely destroyed, but miraculously, his parents survived. After that, the family lived with friends for a few days until March 6, when they evacuated to another village in Kharkiv Oblast to stay with their relatives. At that time, this location was under Ukrainian control, but it was soon occupied by Russian troops, placing the family in a difficult situation once again.

One summer day, while Vanya and his family were digging potatoes in their garden, a Russian plane flew overhead. The boy and his sister fell to the ground and were unable to get up for a long time, frightened by the possibility of a bombing. Crying, they began to ask their mother to take them away from the village.

On August 15, they left for Lutsk and returned to their hometown after the de-occupation. Despite the front moving away from the village, the sounds of combat still occasionally reach Vanya’s home, reminding them of what they have endured.

 

Rostislav. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Chystopodyvka. October 2023.

Rostislav lives with his parents in the Kharkiv region. His village was occupied for 8 months. Recalling the occupation, Rostislav’s mother says that military equipment passed through the village, and there were thousands of Russians. Due to shelling, the village had no electricity or communication, and the stores were closed. They ate what they had in stock.

To escape the shelling, they hid in the cellar. Rostislav’s house was damaged during the shelling, and the boy was caught in the crossfire several times. Once, when he was walking with his mother in the center of the village, a Grad rocket attack began. People fell to the road and remained on the ground until it was all over.

Rostislav’s school was destroyed, and the boy is studying online. Despite all the experiences, he loves riding a bicycle and dreams of giving a drone to Ukrainian soldiers to protect them from the Russians.

Varya. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Chystovodivka. October 2023.

Varya is 13 years old, and she dreams of becoming president. The girl’s school was destroyed, so Varya, like all the children in the village, cannot receive a proper education. She lives in a large family with three brothers and two older sisters.

Varya and her family reside in the de-occupied village of Chystovodivka in Kharkiv Oblast. Throughout the occupation, the family stayed at home. Her 14-year-old brother Kolya was injured in the back by a cluster munition. The boy underwent a complicated spinal surgery and, fortunately, survived. Varya’s younger brother, who just turned 4, knew exactly what to do during shelling: when the explosions began, he had to jump against the wall, and if the shelling intensified, he needed to move to the basement.

During the hostilities, Varya’s house was damaged. Her parents are trying to restore their home and create at least some living conditions. Despite all the hardships, Varya continues to dream of a future full of hope and opportunities.

 

Vanya. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Chystovodivka. October 2023.

Vanya lives in the village of Chystovodivka in Kharkiv Oblast with his mom and his hamster Persik. The boy is interested in electronics and dreams of becoming a blogger, but there are no clubs or activities for interests in the village. The only source of information for Vanya is the internet. Since his school was destroyed, he studies online.

Vanya’s home also suffered from shelling. In the early months of the full-scale offensive, he and his mother hid in the basement, trying to protect themselves from danger. Locals tried to stay away from Russian soldiers, who constantly demanded something from them—be it rope, a pot, an axe, or sometimes looking for homemade liquor.

Sometimes, Russian soldiers would stop by the locals and intimidate them, threatening with their weapons, which created an atmosphere of fear and tension. Despite all the hardships, Vanya continues to dream of his future and hopes that one day he will be able to pursue what truly interests him.

 

 

Sofia. Ukraine. Kharkiv region. Aleksandrovka village. October 2023.

Sofia is 9 years old, and she lives with her brother in a village in the Kharkiv region. Her village was under Russian occupation for almost 8 months. During the first months of the war, the girl and her family spent time in the basement, taking shelter from the shelling. During the fighting, Sofia often heard shells and rockets flying over her house.

After de-occupation, it became a little quieter, but sometimes you can still hear distant sounds of battle or rocket strikes. Despite the difficult period in her life, Sofia is growing up as a cheerful and curious child. She is in the 4th grade, interested in art and loves to draw. In addition, she adores her hamster, Khoma, who brings her joy and comfort.

Victoria. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. Aleksandrovka. October 2023.

Victoria lives in the de-occupied village of Kharkiv Oblast with her older brother and parents. The girl is interested in history, loves to draw, and helps her mother take care of the rabbits. During the occupation, their cow became ill, and the family could not access a veterinarian. The cow died, and they missed their beloved pet.

One day, Russian soldiers discovered a stray cow in the forest. Its owners had probably died or abandoned it while fleeing the war. The soldiers captured the cow and brought it to Victoria’s mother, demanding that she take care of it. A few weeks later, the soldiers returned and wanted to shoot the animal right in the yard. Victoria’s mother pleaded, «We are in the center of the village, please don’t shoot! There are many children living around here.» They tied the cow to a vehicle and took it into the woods. The poor animal suffered, falling on its feet and moaning.

Victoria and her mother, witnessing this, could not hold back their tears. The Russian soldiers occupying the village displayed particular cruelty. There were constant searches in the homes of local residents. One morning, on August 29, they came to Victoria’s house. The soldiers asked her parents, «Are you giving coordinates?» and then began to search the house. They entered the room where Victoria was sleeping and cocked their rifles. Victoria’s mother started to plead with them not to scare her daughter. The soldiers grabbed Victoria’s father and brother and took them outside. They pressed a gun to her brother’s forehead, threatening to kill him, while her father was taken to a vehicle and tortured with electric shocks.

 

Alena. Ukraine. Kharkiv Oblast. October 2023

Alena is five years old, and she attends kindergarten, where classes are held online. The girl loves her puppy Tim very much and often draws him, finding comfort in it.

Alena’s house is located in the village of Kharkiv Oblast, from where leaving during the occupation was almost impossible. Like most of her fellow villagers, Alena’s parents stayed in the village. Some did not want to leave their homes and familiar places, others hoped that everything would soon come to an end, while some simply did not manage to evacuate in time.

During the hostilities, Alena was greatly afraid of the sounds of aircraft. Russian helicopters and planes often circled over their village, and in those moments, the girl sought shelter, trying to find protection from danger.