The first days of the invasion turned into hell for Volnovakha. Alona and her family survived there. Almost immediately, they had to hide in the basement. But it quickly became clear that they would not be able to stay there.

Neighbours helped them leave, sharing fuel. But right when they were leaving, the woman’s family came under shelling. The blast wave smashed the windshield. Machine gun fire was heard behind them.

The family first travelled to Vuhledar, and then, after several intermediate stops, reached Dnipro. But even there, Alona and her family came under serious shelling.