Before the war broke out, a family from Volnovakha was enjoying life and raising three wonderful children: Kateryna (12 years old) and three-year-old twins, Iryna and Danilo. In March 2022, they evacuated the occupied city for their safety. Whilst driving through a neighboring village, their car hit a mine. Kateryna and her father were in the front seats and she tragically died on the spot as a result of the intense explosion. Her father died in hospital a few days later. Iryna and her mother were injured, but survived thanks to volunteers and doctors. The mother and her two surviving children have been left without money or documents and have had to change their place of residence several times.

Currently, their temporary home is in Bucha, near Kyiv. Volnovakha has been practically destroyed by the russian occupiers, as has the families’ whole world. The mother says her soul has been shattered by the loss of her beloved husband and daughter.

The family dreams of having their own home and never having to experience war again. Although they have nowhere to go back to, they have faith that life will improve over time. The main thing for them is to not lose hope and strength; despite everything, they must continue to live for their children’s future.