Since February 2022 the world has witnessed how Russia has horrifyingly invaded Ukraine. While war is never great for any parties involved it seems as though the world has not given enough resistance to Russia’s side because of the illegal, distasteful, and callous approach they have taken in this terrible war. Ukraine has fought the hardest it can and continues to do so for their once beautiful country and the free world. The stories that have come from Ukraine during this time have shown the world that although a heartbreaking time, kindness can still prevail. Take a look at some of these heartbreaking stories.
Cycling Route in Bucha
This is the sad truth for many parts of Kyiv and also other parts in Ukraine, that most of the areas that have been affected are unrecognizable. It is hard to picture how this street may have once looked with people walking around and cycling as they would on a normal day. Now it is covered with blown-up tankers which cover most of the street, burnt trees, broken homes, destroyed roads, and lost animals.
We look forward to the day that peace will be restored and these places that have been affected can be built up again and people can cycle on their routes as they did before.
Kharkiv Zoo
Sadly, war does not happen around animals and their enclosures, especially with Russia as they do not care about where they can target and where they cannot. The Feldman Ecopark in Kharkiv was damaged by Russian shelling which led to the keepers making a difficult decision to put the animals down. It does not seem ideal, but it’s a more humane way for these animals to go than to be shot or blown up.
This also kept the people in Kharkiv safe from roaming wild animals which could have also been a danger to them on top of the dangers of the war as well.
Mantas Kvedaravičius
Mantas Kvedaravicius was a Lithuanian filmmaker who was working on a documentary in Mariupol. He was busy filming the war in Ukraine, which was something he had often done, filming in hostile areas. Kvedaravicius was busy leaving Mariupol when he was sadly killed by Russian occupiers. He had footage of the truth of what was happening to people, to buildings, and the Russians, knowing this, would not have wanted him to live.
His footage was shown at Cannes after it had been recovered. He stood up for the truth and sadly that is what got him killed. His work and bravery would never be forgotten.
Heartbreaking
This post explains the Russian soldiers perfectly, “evil personified, inhuman monsters”. These monsters took away this woman’s son who was only 27 years old, he still had his whole life ahead of him. This poor woman also only has a photo of her son when he was young which makes the situation only more heartbreaking. The pain in her eyes will never go away all because of the inhuman actions caused by Russia.
We are sure there are many other mothers and families who have also gone through the same thing as this poor woman. It's the sad reality of the situation happening.
Kitchen
This is the sight of what the aftermath of shelling did to someone's home. This kitchen is completely destroyed, almost nonexistent. A family used to cook and gather in this spot which now only has some cabinets and a few dishes left. The other parts of this apartment building have also been destroyed which shows how one attack has affected many families greatly, destroying their living spaces and in many cases their lives too.
There is hope that one day affected buildings like this one will be rebuilt and the affected families will once again be able to gather and cook in their kitchens.
Evil
It is hard to believe that there are people who are pro-Putin when these very real and devastating pictures prove his unforgivable war crimes. The first picture shows us how most of this part of the town has been destroyed by shellings and fighting. The other images show how disgracefully Russian soldiers have killed innocent people for no reason. A woman was shot while cycling, and bodies are having to be buried in masses.
It's unexplainable how some people can be so callous, and even worse so when it involves children. It is heartbreaking to see a doll left by a completely shot-out vehicle.
Echoes of Holodomor
Ruthlessly, Russian soldiers now in 2022 are reminding the world of genocide from the 1930s. By destroying the wheat which they first stole, many Ukrainians can’t help but think back to the Holodomor famine which was a manmade famine that affected grain-producing areas in Ukraine. It's bad enough that they stealing food from people who are already losing their livelihoods but to destroy it so no one can have any of it, is disgusting.
The graffiti saying “Russian rules” just shows the immaturity of these sick Russian soldiers. Russia will not rule, not after everything they have already done to Ukraine and its people.
Daddy
When children are hurt, it hits people differently. Children are innocent in all of this, yet they are still being hurt and even killed. The fear and hurt in Dima’s face are so heartbreaking and the fact that he asks for his dad, he is already at such a young age, aware of how fathers and men are targets for war crimes. Luckily his father was also in the hospital being treated, and not dead.
Many are not as lucky as Dima. Many children will now be left without mothers or fathers and all thanks to Putin’s callous ways and his narrow-mindedness to the reality of his actions.
Flowers
In dark times, people often sought some light. This city Gardner is doing her bit to bring some life back to the torn city of Kyiv by planting colorful flowers so that when the war is over, parts of the city will already have some life coming back. It seems like a small action during a war, but the impact of seeing flowers in a damaged place will bring hope and smiles to people's faces.
This will also show people that one action at a time, Kyiv will once again be rebuilt. The people of Ukraine will have their towns back and together, bring back what it once was.
Russian Warship Go F Yourself
Roman Hrybov was the border guard from The Snake Island who at the start of the war shouted “go f yourself” to a Russian soldier. It was feared after this that he was killed along with another 19 border guards, but it was not true. Hrybov and the other guards were released as part of a prisoner exchange and made it back home. He also received a medal for his services.
Hrybov will forever be known as the soldier who swore at the Russian soldier on that Island. And the world loves him for that because he just said what everyone else was thinking.
Twenty Minutes
If you have been following the war situation, you will know that it is no new news that Russian soldiers have on many occasions gone crazy and just shot at and killed civilians in masses. This man, Nikolai was lucky to not be shot but had the unfortunate duty of finding his friend's body parts and giving him a burial there. It would be the least that brave Nikolai could do for his friend.
Many people do not have the honor of being buried by loved ones, some don’t even get to have a funeral during this time. It is one of the sad realities of Putin’s actions.
Brainwashed
There are many Russian people who do not believe in the war that is going on in Ukraine. They are being brainwashed with propaganda, false news and pictures, lies, and sugar-coated stories. It is sad to believe that Ukrainians' own families in Russia do not believe their real videos and stories of the horror that is happening because of Putin’s regime. Situations like this only make it more heartbreaking for those directly affected.
If people's own family members are believing Putin over them, they are worse off. They’ll be living their lives completely controlled by an evil man, and that is no great way to live.
Genocide
When war hits, it is known that mean between 18 and 60 have to stay in the country in case they need to defend their country, trained soldiers or not. Russian forces came into Bucha and killed many innocent civilian men of those ages. If Russian soldiers were good soldiers, they would not need to take out men that they know will come after them this just shows Russia is fighting dirty.
Russian forces must know how powerful and brave Ukrainians are and with their war crimes and genocide, they are afraid that Ukraine will win. Russian forces are nothing but inhumane cowards.
Cat of War
Many animals are affected by this war. But when a cat looking for comfort from a soldier is photographed, we see something special. Animals and humans can give unconditional love to one another, yet at the height of this war, we can see how the Russians can’t do the same. This moment is a special one for both the cat and the soldier because comfort from any animal can make someone feel good.
Another great part about this picture is the soldier's American flag on him, meaning he is most likely an American volunteer soldier fighting for Ukraine. Another sign of greatness in humanity.
Responsibility
This picture was posted on ButterlfiesNFTs page. It's a page by this brave man where he posts NFT butterflies. His last post had announced that he would now be fighting for Ukraine and no longer posting digital butterflies until this war is over. Many hope for this man's safe return but appreciate his bravery and will to fight for his country and they do not feel his choice is an inconvenience.
There are many men like this one who have left their usual jobs or daily life to go and fight for their country. We only hope that they will return to continue that.
Metro
Many young children in Ukraine cannot understand what is happening in their country and this can be very scary for them when they know something bad is happening, but they don’t quite understand the why and how. A metro in Kharkiv has become a sheltered place for families and to make this a bit less scary for children, actors went out on their own to dress up in costumes to comfort children.
This was a great way to bring something playful and calming into the space and to give children and families something to smile about. It is both sad and beautiful.
Rescued Female Soldiers
Gone are the days of men being the only soldiers, women are now making up a big percentage of soldiers around the world. This group of female soldiers was unfortunately held captive by the Russians but were finally released. Although some women may prefer shaved heads while in battle, it was never a rule the Afu army manual had. The Russian soldiers had shaved these woman’s heads while captive.
One thing the Russians should understand is that they may take away their hair, which will grow back, but they can’t take away their power to fight for their country.
Praskovia
Many people are scared during this war, especially those like this 88-year-old lady, Praskovia. Being alone during a time like this as well as living near the frontline does bring some concerns for a person. Concerns for their safety, their livelihood, and their life. This picture would make any caring person feel like they would just want to give her a hug and take her somewhere where she would be safe.
Older people and children are the biggest concern during this war as they are more helpless than those who still have their mobility and sound minds. And yet, Putin’s regime doesn’t care about that either.
Lost Husky
This picture was a screengrab from a video of a husky being reunited with his owner. This situation could bring anyone to tears, happy ones. The full video showed so much emotion from the husky’s side and like a dog, it proved that they too have emotions during this scary time. The owner could not believe his dog was still alive and to be honest, we don’t think many others could either.
There are many families who had to leave their pets or have lost their pets during this heartbreaking war, so this story brings happiness because not all has been lost.
Mayor Of Melitopol
There are many soldiers and high-power people who have been caught by the Russian military and held captive. For most, they will stand their ground for their country. The third-degree mayor of Melitopol, Ivan Fedorov was also one of these people who were captured and did not cooperate with Russia’s side at all. He was lucky enough to be released and once he returned home, was awarded the order for courage.
Being held captive can not be an easy thing to go through for anyone and is an extremely brave and courageous situation to come back from. Fedorov deserved this medal.
Maks Levin
During wars, there are photographers and journalists who are at the frontline documenting the situations firsthand. Without these people doing so, the truth of what is happening would not be seen by the world. Maks Levin was one of the unfortunate war photographers who was killed by the Russians while doing what he loved. It is a terrible thing because Levin was a well-known war photographer, loved by many.
He died doing what he loved, and his work made an impact on the world as he shed light on the real horrors of war. May he rest in peace.
Brave
These four men are just some of the thousands of young volunteers for the war in Ukraine. At only 18 years old they will set foot onto the frontline to fight for their country, with very little training, rifles, and the drive to fight for their country. At such a young age these men look like they would just be going on a camping trip if the rifles were taken away.
These young men volunteering still have their whole lives ahead of them, yet they are armed and ready to do what they feel is right for their country. They are the definition of bravery.
Love
Defending a country does not stop at its people for Ukrainian soldiers, they have also done what they can for helpless animals too. This female soldier carries a cat that she has rescued near the frontline. The poor cat looks so scared in its eyes but having a human hold it and take it to safety must have given it some calmness as well as a feeling of safety.
We cannot imagine how terrifying it must be for animals when they hear blasts going off and many animals run away when it happens. At least we know Ukrainian defenders are rescuing those they can.
No Words.
This hearting breaking picture is of a 6-year-old standing by his mother’s grave at their home. Reprots say that His mother had starved to death because of the lack of food being able to get to certain areas. Now, this little boy and his brother take food to his mother’s grave so that she will no longer starve. It is just too sad for these young children who cannot fathom what this war has done.
Putin’s actions have caused this, it all lies on him, and yet he does not seem to care about how much further than frontline fighting this war goes. It’s despicable.
Liberated
We are sure there are many people like this woman who just want to hug the men who are fighting for Ukraine. After the Russians tried to take over her village, the Ukraine army managed to fight back hard enough that the Russians lost and left. This is a scary time for the people of the village and no words could thank the soldiers enough for their brave fighting.
But this picture speaks enough to how the civilians feel about how the Ukrainian soldiers have helped them. Sometimes moments like these are all the world needs to show appreciation.
Keys
Some people have managed to evacuate their homes before shelling and others were not so lucky. This guy has kept his keys from his once completed home, which was destroyed by Russian shelling. For some reason, he keeps the keys and cannot throw them away, yet we know that these keys are a sign of hope that one day will be able to open a home door once again.
We are sure this guy is not the only one who cannot throw away the one small token which reminds them of the safe haven they once had and will have again.
Art
This moving wall art is such an amazing sight to see in the middle of an extremely tough time for Ukraine. The Ukrainian flag is stitched back together again. This shows the hope that Ukraine has, they know they will bring their country back together again despite the odds. This art is powerful not only in Ukraine but for the whole world because the world can also see the strength and courage Ukraine has.
Art has a way of creating emotions, and we do not think there would be anything more powerful to show the hope of Ukraine as much as this artwork does.
Unimaginable Fear
This is another sad reality of what parents have to go through during this war. Mothers are having to write their child's name, date of birth, and family members' contact numbers, on their child's bodies in case they, the mothers, are killed and the child survives. No mother should ever have to go through this, yet Putin’s regime still continues to do horrible things that make these things a necessity.
The rest of the world needs to wake up and do what they can to bring this war to an end. This should not be the reality mothers and children have to go through.
Boris Romanchenko
This 96-year-old man, Boris Romantschenko survived multiple concentration camps during his lifetime and was killed in Kharkiv, Ukraine by a single bullet that hit him through his house. One of the worse times to experience was concentration camps and this poor man’s life had to end with a Russian bullet because Putin is an evil man who will go to any lengths to get what he wants. It does not seem fair for Romantschenko’s life.
Romantschenko deserved to die peacefully surrounded by people who loved him and Putin took that away from him. We have no words for this heartbreaking situation Putin has caused many.
Uniform Of The Brave
This post by a father of his newborn son would break many people's hearts. This little boy is growing up in a cruel world and we just hope that his father would survive this war to be reunited with him again. If this father dies for his people, this son will grow up knowing he had a brave and heroic father who did all he could to protect him, his family, and his country.
There are many men who are doing the same to protect what they love and make a safer place for their children to grow up. The world is grateful for people like this.
Scars of War
Once again, it is the helpless animals left in pain again. This now recovery cat was unfortunately burnt and hurt in a fire from a rocket that hit a building that he must have been in. There are people who are doing what they can to help animals, but normal vet visits seem to not be the same in some areas. This person was kindhearted enough to help rehabilitate this cat and care for it.
Many people are doing the same, helping where they can and not only just other people but animals as well. Every little bit of help is a step forward to a better place.
Nazar Nebozhenskyi
This 22-year-old soldier, Nazar Nebozhenskyi died protecting others. Because of him, 20 other Ukrainian soldiers were saved. Nebozhenskyi drew fire from Russian BTRS towards himself while also wiping out 2 of them at the same time. This put him straight in the line of fire which sadly killed him, but his fellow soldiers were able to be saved. He will be remembered by not only Ukraine but the world too.
We have heard many stories of soldiers who have put themselves in situations that have got them killed just to keep their fellow soldiers, towns, and country safe. The world will ever forget.
Reunited
Children having to leave their homes in Ukraine to be safer go through a very traumatic time. A lot of them do not understand the full extent of what is happening and why. But to make things even worse, this little boy had lost his cat while crossing the Poland - Ukraine border. Luckily he was reunited with his cat and his face shows just how important something like this was for him.
A pet can make a massive difference in a child's life, it proved comfort and somewhat friendship. In a time like this, a pet is just what some of these children need to feel better.
Bread for the Brave
This amazing and kind man who has Down Syndrome is doing what he can to make a difference during the Ukraine war. He made use of his baking skill to bake bread for Ukrainian soldiers who are at the frontline. Everyone in Ukraine is pulling together to do what they can and not even a person with a genetic disorder is stopping them from doing what is right and what is helpful.
The world can learn a lot from Ukrainians because just like this story and many more, nothing is stopping people from helping however they can no matter how big or small the efforts are.
Forty One Days
This war has taken a toll on all those living in Ukraine. As the president of Ukraine, Zelensky is carrying a massive weight on his shoulders as he strongly leads his country through these trying times. These two pictures show the impact of what less than 2 months had on Zelensky before and after the war started. He looks exhausted, sad, defeated, and worried for his country and its people.
But in more recent pictures of Zelensky, he looks a little better. We think it is because of the kindness and bravery that has been shown by Ukrainians and the strong chance Ukraine could win.