The story of 14-year-old Daryna from Kharkiv vividly illustrates how war changes the lives of young people, shaping their perception of the world. When the full-scale invasion began, Daryna and her family were forced to seek shelter in her uncle’s house. The basement, which had previously served as a taekwondo club, became a refuge for many residents. Daryna spent a month and a half there, not daring to go to the surface because the fear of shelling was too great.

When Daryna and her family moved to Poltava, she left behind not only her home, but also a part of her life in Kharkiv. Each air raid alert signal makes her fearful and anxious for her family members who stayed in Kharkiv. At the same time, the war taught Daryna to appreciate every moment of life. The girl told her story while participating in the project “Rinat Akhmetov to Children. Peaceful Summer”.