My Story and the start of Russia’s Invasion

Melaniia Illivna Domostroieva

And so, that day—February 24, 2022—is a day that has remained in my memory forever. I was only six years old then, and I didn’t fully grasp what was happening. We woke up in the morning, and my mother told me I wouldn’t be going to school that day. At first, we didn’t know what would happen next or just how serious the situation was.

We began gathering our documents and essential belongings, then headed down to the basement. It was freezing cold, frightening, and uncomfortable down there. Various aircraft flew over our building, and we constantly feared for our lives. It was hard to comprehend how our ordinary life had suddenly changed so drastically. We tried to stay together, hoping that everything would end soon.

Around the seventh day, my mother decided that we needed to leave Ukraine. Since I was still very young, all the major decisions were made by her. We set off for the Czech Republic on an evacuation train. The journey was incredibly difficult and terrifying—especially as we passed through Kharkiv and Kyiv. There were about fifteen people in our train compartment. It was cramped, arduous, and nerve-wracking, but we kept moving, hoping to reach a safe place.

Upon arriving in the Czech Republic, we were taken to Karlovy Vary. We stayed in a hotel that served as temporary accommodation for people forced to flee their homes because of the war. It felt very strange—finding ourselves in a foreign country, so far away from home. Eventually, my mother and her friend found work in the city of Cheb. They went there, arranged the jobs, and we moved to Cheb.

Life there gradually became calmer. We began to get used to the new place, although I desperately wanted the war to end so we could return home. It was important for me to have my mother by my side; I felt much calmer when she was there.

Two years later, we returned to Ukraine. I am so happy to be living on my native soil again—in Kharkiv.

Yet, even now, it can still be frightening, as the war continues, and no one knows for sure what tomorrow will bring.

I enjoy seeing my friends, reading, and drawing. We even have classes a few times a month in our school’s shelter. I draw everything—especially portraits of people. I’m even planning to submit a few of my drawings to competitions. I think it’s a good idea to encourage Ukrainians to share their memories of the dangers they faced; it makes things a little easier. And perhaps, by reading these words, someone might better understand the pain that war brings.

These events have taught me to cherish my family, my home, and ordinary, peaceful days. I’ve realized how important it is to support one another during difficult times. My greatest dream is for peace to come to Ukraine, for everyone to be able to return home, and for children to never again have to leave...

*Translated from original Ukrainian script for English Readers