Ivan (age 8) and Khrystyna (age 14) lived with their mom and dad in Kharkiv, in the northeast, at the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion. The city and its residents suffered from the very first days of the war, with the Russian Air Force mercilessly attacking the residential areas and city center. The children’s mother lived with them in a subway station for 9 days before eventually being evacuated to the western regions of the country. Meanwhile, their father went to fight in the front. He bravely carried his fellow soldiers on his shoulders and saved the lives of several others during his military service. Sadly, he met his end during a combat mission and died on the battlefield.

The Children of Heroes Charity Fund has supported the family by organizing English courses for Ivan and Khrystyna. They highly enjoy the classes, particularly as their teacher has become both a good friend and mentor to them. Now, the two siblings have a dream: to one day use their English skills in the workplace, viewing the language as both exciting and beneficial to them. They look forward to Ukraine’s eventual victory; to play with their friends and be able to enjoy every day once again.