Ukrainian Children Share Harrowing Tales of War and Resilience
As Ukraine marks the fourth anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion, Sky News has partnered with Voices of Children, a Ukrainian charity, to amplify the voices of teenagers whose childhoods have been stolen by conflict. These young individuals speak of profound loss, sacrifice, and the enduring pain left in the wake of war, offering a raw glimpse into life under siege.
Kateryna's Journey from Chernihiv
Kateryna, now 14, recalls being just 10 years old when the war erupted in February 2022. Living in Chernihiv, near the Belarus border, she packed an emergency suitcase days before Ukrainian tanks rolled down her street—a sight she had never witnessed before. For the initial nights, her family sought refuge in a basement, counting explosions by day and struggling to sleep at night.
On her birthday, March 4, they fled the city under constant Russian bombardment. Their three-day escape included stays with kind strangers in Brovary, who cared for abandoned pets, and a tense night near Khmelnytskyi, where checkpoints warned of Russian helicopters. After 40 days in a kindergarten shelter, they returned home, marking the hardest period of her life.
Today, creativity, especially poetry, has become Kateryna's therapy, inspired by her literature teacher. While she has few close friends, she finds strength in supportive relationships, emphasizing the importance of connection during turmoil.
Hanna's Transformation in Zaporizhzhia
Hanna, 17, from Zaporizhzhia, describes the trauma of a missile striking her building in September 2022. Though everyone survived, the experience was deeply shocking, pushing her into volunteering and civic engagement. Over four years, she has immersed herself in cultural projects and met inspiring people, reshaping her life's direction.
Despite the ongoing threat, Hanna refuses to let war hinder her pursuits. On Valentine's Day, she attended an educational training in a bomb shelter, surrounded by motivated youth, and helped organize an art exhibition. She notes the stark contrasts in her city: destroyed clinics and memorials alongside resilient cafes that rebuild after attacks.
Veronika's Escape from Occupation
Veronika, 16, endured two years under Russian occupation in Melitopol before escaping with her family. Food scarcity and high prices made basics like bread unattainable. Refusing to attend a Russian school or work for occupiers, she studied online in secret while hiding evidence of her brother, who joined Ukraine's forces on day one.
Her memories include Russian soldiers, military vehicles, and helicopters marked with the letter "Z." In 2023, she left via carriers through Russia, witnessing the devastation of Mariupol, including the bombed drama theatre. At the Latvian border, hearing Ukrainian brought her calm. Now in Zaporizhzhia, she grapples with adapting to war but remains sensitive to loss, moved by convoys of fallen soldiers.
Liza's Struggle in Kyiv
Liza, 18, fled her occupied hometown of Oleshky in the Kherson region after neighbors were killed by shelling in January 2024. With no emergency services left, she and her mother endured a four-day journey through 20 Russian checkpoints, including a four-hour interrogation during "filtration."
Starting from scratch in Kyiv with just three bags, Liza reconnected with hometown friends and pursued psychology studies, funding her education through work as a cashier. While relieved to escape the fear of Russian targeting, she still faces air raids and power outages, reminiscent of her time under occupation. Her greatest wish remains an end to the war so she can return home.
These stories highlight the resilience of Ukraine's youth, who navigate trauma with creativity, community, and unwavering hope, even as they confront the harsh realities of conflict daily.
