Stolen Childhoods: Ukrainian Teens Share Stories of War and Resilience
As Ukraine commemorates the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, the harrowing experiences of its youngest citizens come to light through a partnership between Sky News and the Ukrainian charity Voices of Children. Teenagers across the nation recount how their childhoods have been irrevocably altered by conflict, detailing losses, sacrifices, and the daily struggle to adapt to a life overshadowed by war.
Kateryna's Flight from Chernihiv
Kateryna, now 14, was just 10 years old when the war erupted. Living in Chernihiv, near the Belarusian border, she packed an emergency suitcase by 22 February 2022, unaware of what lay ahead. Within days, Ukrainian tanks rumbled down her street, a sight she had never witnessed before. Her family spent the first three nights in a basement, counting explosions by day and attempting to sleep at night.
On her birthday, 4 March, they fled the city under constant Russian bombardment. Their journey lasted three days, with stops in Brovary, where kind strangers sheltered abandoned pets, and near Khmelnytskyi, where checkpoints warned of Russian helicopters. They eventually found refuge in a kindergarten building for 40 days before returning home. Today, Kateryna finds solace in creativity, particularly poetry, which she describes as a form of therapy, and relies on supportive friends to stay strong.
Hanna's Trauma and Transformation in Zaporizhzhia
Hanna, 17, from Zaporizhzhia, experienced a missile strike on her building in September 2022, an event that left deep psychological scars. While everyone survived, the trauma propelled her into volunteering and civic engagement. She has since immersed herself in the cultural life of her city, meeting inspiring people and participating in projects that drive change.
Despite the ongoing threat, Hanna continues to celebrate life. On Valentine's Day, she attended an educational training session in a venue doubling as a bomb shelter, surrounded by motivated youth. Later, she helped organize an art exhibition, navigating streets marked by destruction yet dotted with resilient businesses like a cafe rebuilt after an attack.
Veronika's Escape from Occupation in Melitopol
Veronika, 16, endured two years under Russian occupation in Melitopol before escaping with her family. The initial months were marked by food shortages and exorbitant prices. Refusing to attend a Russian school, she studied online in secret, while her mother, a teacher, also resisted collaboration. They hid evidence of her brother, who joined Ukraine's forces on the war's first day.
Her escape involved a perilous journey through Russia, with stops in devastated areas like Mariupol, where she witnessed the ruins of the Azovstal plant and the bombed drama theatre. At the border, her phone was confiscated, and her mother was interrogated. Upon reaching Latvia, hearing Ukrainian brought a sense of calm. Now in Zaporizhzhia, she grapples with the normalization of war but remains moved by public displays of grief for fallen soldiers.
Liza's Struggle to Rebuild in Kyiv
Liza, 18, fled her occupied hometown of Oleshky in the Kherson region after neighbors were killed by shelling. With no emergency services left, she and her mother traveled for four days through 20 Russian checkpoints, enduring a four-hour interrogation at one stop. Arriving in Kyiv with just three bags, they started from scratch.
In the capital, Liza has found community among fellow displaced persons and pursues a psychology degree, funding her education through work as a cashier. She appreciates the freedom to dress without fear of being targeted by Russians, a stark contrast to life under occupation where she hid in closets and wore disguises. Yet, she still faces air raids and power outages, echoing the hardships of her past. Her greatest wish remains an end to the war so she can return home.
These stories underscore the profound impact of conflict on Ukraine's youth, highlighting their resilience amid unimaginable adversity. As they navigate a reality defined by loss and adaptation, their voices serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war.
