Mykola is 13 years old. The war changed his life in Druzhkivka, Donetsk region, forcing his family to leave their home and seek safety in Vinnytsia. Behind this displacement are anxiety, loss, and the experience of growing up far too early. At the same time, Mykola has preserved his inner resilience, attentiveness to the world, and a desire to build his own future. His story is a testament to how Ukrainian children endure war without losing their humanity and hope.
🎥 Video Story
🟦 1. WHO IS MYKOLA
Mykola is a 13-year-old boy from Druzhkivka, Donetsk region.
He is calm, attentive, and speaks about serious things with quiet wisdom.
He doesn’t say much — but when he does, his words stay with you.
💬 “Peace is when nothing flies above you, when no one is afraid.” — Mykola
🟩 2. BEFORE THE WAR
Before the full-scale invasion, Mykola lived with his large family — nine children, a mother, and a father.
He loved playing football with his brother, helping around the house, and going to church.
💬 “My brother played football, and he taught me. We went to the stadium together.”
He liked school, but what mattered most to him was home — the warmth and stability of family life.
🟥 3. THE FIRST DAY OF WAR
💬 “It was five in the morning. I woke up, and my mom said the war had started. A drone flew over our house, and we hid.”
Mykola was only ten.
At first, he was terrified — then, as he says, “I got used to it.”
When rockets flew nearby, he and his parents hid in the basement.
💬 “We were very scared. But later, it became almost normal — we just waited for it to end.”
🟧 4. LEAVING THE CITY
When the situation worsened, the family decided to evacuate Mykola.
💬 “My brother said they were taking me away. I packed my things myself — the first thing I took was my phone.”
He traveled safely and calmly.
💬 “I wanted to stay in Ukraine. I didn’t want to leave my hometown.”
🟦 5. NEW LIFE IN VINNYTSIA
Starting over wasn’t easy, but eventually Mykola adapted.
💬 “At first, I didn’t want to go. But later I understood — I had to. Now I’m used to it. I have a new home.”
He’s now in the 8th grade.
Transitioning from online learning to in-person classes took time, but he’s catching up fast.
💬 “When it was online, I didn’t understand much. Now I do. I answer in class.”
🟪 6. FRIENDS AND SCHOOL
At his new school, Mykola was welcomed kindly.
💬 “At first, they were afraid when I said I was from the east.
Then they asked what it was like, and we became friends.”
He now has three close friends who help him with lessons.
💬 “They explain things and help me during tests.”
🟨 7. GROWTH AND CHANGE
Mykola’s mother says he has grown more responsible and thoughtful.
💬 “When I see that help is needed, I just do it. I don’t wait to be asked.”
He has become more disciplined, studies on his own, and takes pride in his progress.
💬 “Before, I had 4s and 5s. Now I get 8s, 9s, and 10s. I want to do even better.”
🟦 8. FAMILY AND GRATITUDE
Mykola values his family deeply.
💬 “Without my parents, I’d have nothing. I couldn’t have done anything without them.”
His mother says they talk a lot — that’s how they stay close and support each other.
💬 “We explain things, talk about school, about the future — and he listens. He really listens.”
🟪 9. CHARACTER AND INNER WORLD
Mykola has a calm and observant nature.
He takes time to adjust to new surroundings but opens up with trust and sincerity once he feels safe.
He’s thoughtful, grounded, and has a quiet inner strength.
💬 “I’ve seen worse. But when there’s an air raid alarm, I still hide — because life must be protected.”
🟨 10. DREAMS AND FUTURE
💬 “I want to finish school, keep studying, and for the war to end — so I can study in peace.”
Mykola dreams of becoming a chef — to cook for others and create warmth through food.
💬 “When I chop or cook something, I feel good. I think that’s what I want to do.”
🟦 11. FINDING PEACE
When he feels sad or misses home, Mykola finds small ways to calm down.
💬 “When I’m sad, I clean or play with my younger siblings. It helps.”
His maturity shows in simple things.
💬 “I don’t need much. Just to go to school, have breakfast, live the day.”
🕊️ 12. MYKOLA’S MESSAGE TO THE WORLD
💬 “Peace is when nothing flies above you, and no one is afraid.”
💬 “Ukraine is a beautiful country, with kind people — green and alive. It’s a pity this happened.”
💬 “I just want the war to end.”
🟧 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.
