I came to Mariupol from Donetsk in 2015 . I have three children left in Donetsk. The eldest daughter died. The youngest still lives there. We have lived in Donetsk for 35 years. When the armed hostilities started, we moved in with our youngest daughter. She also lives in Budonivskyi District, but a little closer to the center.
And when they started shooting, water supply was turned off, we heard bombing and hid in basements. This area is not that engaged in the attacks. We already knew when they would shoot and where to run with the children in case of the attacks.
All this military equipment is so scary. Children were terrified and cried. Air crafts (a lot of them) flew above us back then. The military had a lot of heavy machinery. Asphalt was covered in holes from it. Houses and many buildings were destroyed. We couldn't stand it any more and decided to leave for Mariupol.
We received help from Rinat Akhmetov. Food products — flour, sugar, oil —are the most necessary. This assistance is priceless. We really appreciate that you haven't left us in a difficult moment. The Foundation still supports us today.
I wish peace on earth would come. I would like to see Donbass to be the part of Ukraine. I wish all roads and borders would open.