Life in Ukraine

As the war in Ukraine continues, civilians in Kyiv share what it's like to live through nightly Russian drone attacks and the toll it takes on their physical and mental health.

“When the power is on, and we can use the projector to watch a movie, it brings a lot of joy,” says Serhii Surepin from Kyiv, as he prepares for another brutal winter. Russia’s attacks have shattered Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, turning power outages into a harsh new reality. Like countless Ukrainians, Serhii is finding ways to endure the cold and darkness, making even the smallest comforts feel like triumphs.

Once starved by Moscow-made artificial hunger, the Holodomor genocide, and now under attack by Russia’s aggression, Ukraine has defied the odds to provide global food security. The nation honors its tragic past on Holodomor Remembrance Day and continues to feed the world, knowing all too well the trauma of starvation.

In the Sumy region, where Russian strikes often target schools, some have moved underground to offer children a semblance of normalcy. Hidden in basements, these makeshift classrooms are a quiet defiance of war.

Islam in Ukraine dates back over a thousand years and is deeply woven into the nation’s heritage. Though Christianity is predominant, today’s journey highlights Ukraine’s rich diversity, showing Islam as an integral part of its history.

In Ukraine, where the war has permeated every corner of society, civilians are leaving their routines behind to prepare for defense. Men and women of all ages keep joining civilian preparedness courses across the country, equipping themselves to effectively resist the ongoing Russian invasion