Alina Rabichenko 16, female from Zaporizhzhia

My name is Alina, and I want to tell you about myself and my life. I live with my mother Iryna, her husband Ruslan, my sister Kseniia, my brother Dmytro, and our grandmother Halyna. My father Denys lives separately, but we stay in touch. We also have a cat named Sonia – she is like a full member of our family, always near and helping us feel calmer during hard times.

I have wonderful friends – Masha, Asya, Stella, and Senya. With them, I can be myself, talk about everything, or just sit in silence and it still feels warm and safe. We’ve been through a lot together and continue to support each other.

Now I am preparing for exams and studying English. It’s not easy, especially during the war, but I understand that knowledge is my chance for a better future. In my free time, I like reading, listening to music, or dreaming about peace and a quiet life.

My hometown is Zaporizhzhia. Before the war, it was calm and beautiful, with parks, the Dnipro River, and the famous Khortytsia Island. There was always life in the city – people were in a hurry, children were laughing, factories were working. But when the full-scale war started, everything changed. We often hear explosions and sirens, and the streets became quiet and scary. Russian forces attacked our city many times, destroying homes, schools, and hospitals. But Zaporizhzhia stands strong. The people here are brave – they help each other, volunteer, and support the army. Our city defends itself and doesn’t give up.

The war changed my family a lot. We became more careful. We learned to react quickly to air raids and hide in shelters, even when we’re very scared. Many friends left the city. Some people lost their homes, and some lost loved ones. It’s very painful.

The hardest part of the war is living in constant fear. When you hear explosions or sirens, your heart stops for a second. It hurts to see how children, old people, and families suffer. But we stay strong together. We help each other even when it’s difficult.

I believe Ukraine will win. We are unbreakable. After this dark night, there will be a sunrise. I dream of peace, of hearing children’s laughter again, of a life without fear. Peace is what every Ukrainian heart wants.