Artem, 13 years old, from Kherson. A boy whose childhood was shattered by war and the occupation of his hometown. Instead of ordinary school days, games, and plans for the future, Artem faced fear, danger, and forced displacement. Moving to Vinnytsia marked the beginning of a new life — one in which he is learning again how to feel safe, to trust, and to dream. His story is a sincere testimony to the impact of war on children and, at the same time, a powerful example of the inner strength and hope with which Ukrainian children look toward the future.
🎥 Video Story
🟦 1. WHO IS ARTEM
Artem is a 13-year-old boy from Kherson — a cheerful, creative, and determined child with Down syndrome.
He loves sports, music, theatre, and painting.
Together with his family, he lived through the occupation of Kherson, an evacuation under shelling, and now builds a new life in Vinnytsia.
💬 “For Ukraine!” — says Artem with a proud smile.
His mother adds:
💬 “Artem brings light wherever he goes. He’s genuine, kind, and able to find joy in simple things.”
🟩 2. BEFORE THE WAR
Before the full-scale invasion, Artem led a very active life:
he went to school, took swimming, athletics, dance, and music lessons, and performed in an inclusive theatre group.
💬 “I go to athletics and swimming. And dance. And music — I learn notes.”
His favorite subjects are math, Ukrainian, and English.
💬 “I just need a bit of time to get used to people — then everything is fine.”
🟥 3. WAR AND EVACUATION
When the war began, Artem and his family stayed in occupied Kherson for several months.
His mother tried to keep daily life stable — online lessons, small walks, theatre rehearsals.
But after the Russian military came to their house twice, they decided to leave.
They drove for twelve hours under shelling, and the whole time Artem was singing the Ukrainian national anthem.
💬 “…Ukraine has not yet perished! Glory to the heroes!”
💬 “He sang the anthem all the way. It’s his favorite song.” — mother
The family fled together with their two pets — a cat named Asya and a dog named Dana.
🟧 4. LIFE IN VINNYTSIA
Starting over in Vinnytsia, the family found safety and community.
Artem returned to school, joined new activities, and made friends.
💬 “My friends are Gleb, Anya, Tokha, Nastya, Lina.”
His mother recalls:
💬 “We knew we would be understood here. There are families who’ve walked a similar path, and people with open hearts.”
🟦 5. EDUCATION AND INCLUSION
Artem studies in the 5th grade at a regular school in Vinnytsia.
He enjoys going to class, especially math, English, and physical education.
💬 “He loves to calculate on the calculator, solve problems, raise his hand, and come to the board.” — mother
His mom, a teacher herself and an advocate for inclusive education, believes in personalized learning:
💬 “No need for a different curriculum — what matters is an individual approach. Every child is unique.”
🟪 6. SPORTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Artem is a participant of the Special Olympics Ukraine.
🏊♂️ Swimming: 2nd and 3rd place
🏃♂️ Athletics: 3rd place
⚽ Football: Best midfielder award
He also practices hip-hop dancing and studies piano at a music school (4th year).
💬 “I swim — second, third place. Dance — hip-hop. Football. And music too.”
🟨 7. FAMILY AND HOME
Artem lives with his mom, dad, and older sister Ksyusha.
His older siblings live in other Ukrainian cities — Kyiv, Izmail, and Kherson.
💬 “We’re scattered across the country, but every year we gather together.” — mother
He enjoys helping at home: making his bed, washing dishes, carrying bags, and cooking.
💬 “I make pizza and pancakes.”
His favorite food is pizza with peppers, sausage, and parmesan.
💬 “I want to be a chef in a fancy restaurant — to cook for people.”
🟦 8. CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION
After the evacuation, Artem started painting even more.
At first, he drew his home in Kherson.
When he learned it was damaged, he covered it in black paint — and later began drawing colorful houses again, as symbols of hope and renewal.
💬 “That’s how I know he processes pain — through creativity.” — mother
Lately, Artem has been fascinated by pirates — drawing treasure maps, creating paper beards, and going on “adventures.”
He loves board games, cartoons, and movies.
🟥 9. WAR AND INNER CHANGES
His mother noticed that Artem became calmer but more sensitive to sounds.
💬 “Once a big truck passed nearby — he immediately hid. Even if he doesn’t show fear outwardly, he feels everything deeply.”
Now he always sleeps with a nightlight —
💬 “So there’s light.”
Before the war, Artem was all emotion — laughing, hugging, and celebrating everything.
Now he is more thoughtful, quieter — but his joy shines just as bright.
💬 “He’s grown. He’s stronger. That spark inside him is still there.”
🟦 10. UKRAINE IN HIS HEART
During the evacuation, singing the national anthem gave Artem strength.
Now at home, he still plays a “moment of silence” on his synthesizer — even if he wakes up late.
💬 “The anthem and the flag — they are sacred.” — Artem
His godfather serves in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The family stays in touch and supports soldiers whenever they can.
💬 “For Ukraine!” — says Artem proudly.
🟨 11. DREAMS AND THE FUTURE
💬 “I want to go to Kherson.”
Artem dreams of returning home — to the city by the Dnipro River, to the fountains where he once walked with his family.
He wants to become a chef, open his own restaurant, and live in a peaceful, free Ukraine.
💬 “I want everyone to live peacefully. And for Ukraine to be strong and free.”
🕊️ 12. ARTEM’S MESSAGE TO THE WORLD
💬 “For Ukraine!”
💬 “I want all children in the world to celebrate, smile, and never know war.”
🟧 13. PHOTO GALLERY
The survey was conducted by the NGO “Network of Civil Society Organizations Supporting Internally Displaced Persons in Ukraine” with the support of the Askold and Dir Foundation, administered by ISAR Ednannia, within the project “Strong Civil Society of Ukraine as a Driver of Reforms and Democracy,” funded by Norway and Sweden. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the NGO “Network of Civil Society Organizations Supporting Internally Displaced Persons in Ukraine” and does not necessarily reflect the views of the governments of Norway or Sweden, or of ISAR Ednannia.
