Ivan, 9 years old, from Kherson region. A young boy from the village of Darivka who encountered war as early as he did childhood joy. His world once consisted of bicycle rides, games with friends, and swimming in the river — until the outbreak of hostilities turned his family’s life upside down.
After a forced displacement through Kryvyi Rih to Vinnytsia, Ivan learned to live a new reality: attending school, making new friends, and holding on to his dreams of peace, a small motorbike, and a happy childhood — one that every child in Ukraine deserves.
His voice is the voice of a generation that longs for peace and justice.
🎥 Video Story
🟦 1. WHO IS IVAN
Ivan is a 9-year-old boy from the village of Darivka in the Kherson region.
He is cheerful, open-hearted, and incredibly sincere — one of those children who win everyone over with a smile.
Ivan has a vivid emotional sensitivity — he deeply feels the world around him and always wants to connect, help, and bring joy to others.
💬 “My mom brings me happiness. Because she’s still alive.” — Ivan
🟩 2. BEFORE THE WAR
Before the full-scale invasion, Ivan lived in Darivka with his parents, sister, and brother.
He loved riding his bicycle, swimming in the Inhulets River, and playing with friends in the yard.
💬 “I rode my bike, played with my friends, went to the river.”
Life was peaceful and simple. Everyone in the village knew each other.
His childhood was filled with sunshine, laughter, and the warmth of family.
🟥 3. WHEN THE WAR BEGAN
When shelling reached Darivka, the family fled — first to Kryvyi Rih, then to Vinnytsia.
💬 “We were scared — me, mom, and dad.”
His grandparents and great-grandfather stayed behind.
💬 “We talk on video calls. They show me our dog in the yard.”
They took only the essentials. Pets had to stay at home.
💬 “I miss them.”
🟧 4. NEW LIFE IN VINNYTSIA
In Vinnytsia, Ivan quickly adapted.
He started school, made new friends, and became known in his neighborhood as the cheerful boy on a bicycle who always says:
💬 “Glory to Ukraine!”
💬 “He’s very social — he needs an audience. Everyone in the village knows him.” — Ivan’s mother
Now Ivan lives with his mother and their cat. His older siblings live in other cities but visit often.
🟦 5. SCHOOL AND FRIENDS
Ivan is in the 3rd grade at a local school.
He attends classes in person and loves learning Ukrainian the most.
💬 “Ukrainian is my favorite. Not math.”
He has many friends — both in school and in the village.
💬 “No one treats me differently. Everyone’s friendly.”
In his free time, Ivan rides his bike, plays outside, and dreams of owning a small motorcycle.
💬 “I want a small motorbike — with real fuel, just for me.”
🟪 6. PERSONALITY AND STRENGTHS
Ivan is lively, curious, and very empathetic.
His mother describes him as strong-willed and fair-minded.
💬 “He’s persistent, but kind. If he decides to do something — he’ll do it.” — mother
Even after all he’s been through, he hasn’t lost his sense of humor or optimism.
💬 “He’s afraid of thunder — when it rumbles, he hugs me tight. But it’s better now.” — mother
🟨 7. FAMILY AND LOSS
Ivan’s family went through a painful experience — the disappearance of his older brother Anton, who had a disability.
He was taken from the Oleshky boarding center during the occupation of Kherson, and the family has had no news of him for four years.
💬 “We don’t know if he’s alive. We keep searching.” — mother
Despite the pain, Ivan’s mother remains strong and hopeful.
💬 “I love my country and want to do everything so that my children have a future here.”
🟦 8. DREAMS AND WISHES
Ivan dreams of simple things — peace, family, and a small motorbike.
💬 “I want everyone to be safe and alive.”
“Peace is when no one fights and everyone’s friends.”
When he feels sad, he likes to be alone for a while — just sitting quietly or playing on his phone.
💬 “I just hide and watch videos for a bit. Then I feel better.”
🟪 9. HEROES AND GRATITUDE
His hero is his uncle Illia, who serves in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
💬 “He’s an officer. He doesn’t tell much.”
Ivan is proud of him and wants to thank him in person someday.
💬 “I think I should.”
🟨 10. IVAN’S MESSAGE TO THE WORLD
💬 “Peace is when no one fights and everyone’s friends.”
💬 “I want everyone to be healthy and alive.”
💬 “You should share your toys.”
🟧 11. 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.
