Valeriya, 13 years old, Kherson region. City: Skadovsk
“Before the war in Ukraine I lived in Skadovsk, I was fine and had many friends. But when the war started, my mother and I were forced to leave our city, we moved to Lviv. It is very nice here and we live in a shelter, I study online with my class, I am still in touch with my best friend who also left. I don’t expect anything as a New Year’s gift. I just want to go home to my father and grandmother . I’m very sad that they stayed there.”
Valeriya, 16 years old. City: Kherson
“Before the war I lived in Kherson, went to school, played various sports. I had many friends with whom we went for walks after school. Now everything has changed, all my friends, like me, have left for different cities or countries. I miss my home very much, I have two cats and my favorite bear Bublik, almost two meters tall. Now I live in the Lviv region, in the village of Bryukhovychi. Of course, it is not as nice as at home but I have learned to find the positive in everything. Here I have a double-decker bed, there is snow and around me is a forest and fresh air. Finally there are no missiles flying overhead and I can sleep peacefully. Christmas is coming, I would like to see the whole family sitting at the table, laughing and telling each other funny stories. But now I really want the war in Ukraine to end. I want to go home to see all my friends again and finally go to school. Let our soldiers go back to their families!”
Veronika, 12 years old. City: Kherson
“Before the war I lived very well in my house with my family and played with my friends. Now we walk in the shelter, we are assisted by psychologists, I draw, I play all kinds of games. I expect victory, the chance to go home and lots of candy from Christmas and New Year’s!”
Maksym, 14 years old, Luhansk region. City: Anthracite
“Before the war I lived in the Luhansk region. I had a wonderful life with my family. I was studying, I had many friends and interests with them. Since the beginning of the Ukrainian war, our city was occupied and we were forced to move to Lviv, to the village of Bryukhovychi and precisely to this shelter, where there is warmth, comfort and good relations. From the New Year and Christmas I expect victory and to return home as soon as possible.”
Oleksandr, 14 years old, Kherson region
“Before the war we lived very well, we had fun with friends, we studied, in a word, before the war life was completely different. Now I live well, but there are many difficulties, I miss my pets and my friends. I live in a shelter, I help as I can. I look forward to fun and gifts from the New Year and Christmas and most of all the end of the war. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who helps us in one way or another.” Daniel, 11 years old, Donetsk region, village of Bilokuzminivka “I had a wonderful life before the war. Now my life has changed, despite the good conditions in which I live, I miss my home very much and dream of returning there as soon as possible. From Christmas I expect many gifts and the fun that is so lacking at the moment”.
