Throughout world history, in times of great disasters and grief, people tended to unite more. In the darkest days, people gave each other support and shared care and love. When the war started in Ukraine, our fellow citizens were no exception. All Ukrainians became one big united family – the people in the cities affected by Russian aggression have changed the most.

Yaroslav with a school dorm Resident Director

For example, the citizens of Kharkiv found themselves in a situation where mutual aid became the key to survival. “In our dorm, everyone is kind and responsive and will help with whatever may be needed. The same applies to other Kharkiv residents. For instance, if there is no light at home, I can easily call my friends and ask them to host me so that I can charge my gadgets. Not even close friends, but just old acquaintances will be happy to help,” shared Yaroslav from Kharkiv.

Special unlimited help is always granted to our children. A 5-year-old Vlad doesn’t understand the meaning of “mutual aid” yet, but his mother Natalia will never be disappointed in the kindness of the human heart. An event that changed her worldview – her son’s fifth birthday, which they were forced to spend in a shelter underground.

Yaroslav

“It was the 21st of March, almost a month since the beginning of the full-scale war. We had nothing for the birthday to celebrate: no cake, not even sweets or cookies. Few stores were open, but sold only some bread and first aid necessities,” the woman recalls.

Kharkiv was under constant missile attacks back then. Even just going outside was dangerous. Therefore, little Vlad spent his fifth birthday underground, in a bomb shelter. The mother’s heart was breaking, so she wanted to give the child at least a little sense of the holiday. That’s how residents of their hideout came to the rescue.

“Students, who were also hiding in the same shelter, found some balloons, blew them up and wrote “Happy Birthday” on them. They even made a simple cake out of cookies with their own hands and brought treats that everyone had. We were very amazed!”

That day there was a true holiday in the shelter. The birthday boy shared a small cake with all his guests. And, at least for several minutes, a humble smile returned to people’s faces. They celebrated while the enemy’s rockets were flying all over the city outside.

“In difficult times, people share every last piece they have. They help with food and clothes. They share everything, even with a stranger,” recalls Natalia with tears in her eyes. Once again, we are convinced that the Ukrainian nation cannot be defeated.

The Light will defeat the darkness!

Snizhana Letyuk, journalist for the Restore Ukraine