Resilience amidst conflict: celebrating New Year in Dnipro - the Ukrainian shelter

DNIPRO, Ukraine — In Ukraine, the arrival of the New Year typically signifies a time for joy, family gatherings, and reflection. However, for the second consecutive year, the festivities are overshadowed by the ongoing conflict with Russia, casting a somber atmosphere across the nation. The relentless war has led to millions being displaced, with a staggering 315,000 Ukrainian casualties to date.

Amidst the turmoil, a shelter in Dnipro, southeastern Ukraine, has become a refuge for the displaced, offering a semblance of normalcy as they navigate life in the midst of conflict. As they approach their second wartime New Year's, the residents, despite their diverse traumas, find solace in small celebrations that defy Russia's attempts to break their spirit.

Necessary to keep living

Nina Bondar, the shelter's administrator, emphasizes the importance of fostering peace within the shelter's confines. Volunteers strive to provide support, including psychological counseling and assistance with documents, cultivating a sense of gratitude for each day despite the hardships.

Over the 18 months of its operation, the Dnipro shelter has hosted 10,000 individuals, the majority arriving during the initial evacuation efforts as the conflict escalated. Now, residents can stay for as long as needed, contributing to the community in exchange for their shelter.

Valentyna Romanyuk, accompanied by her four children, recounts their escape from Russian-occupied Kherson. Living under occupation was marked by fear and uncertainty, with Russian forces forcibly ejecting residents from their homes. Romanyuk, a seamstress, now seeks employment and dreams of rebuilding her life.

Yuriy Shmanov, a teacher from Lysychansk, faced personal tragedy when his brother perished due to shelling in their hometown. Having lived at the shelter since May 2022, he strives to rebuild, working part-time as a teacher and conducting online classes.

Oksana Lisova, hailing from Vilnyansk in the Zaporizhzhya region, describes her city as half-destroyed and constantly under fire. She, along with her husband and 5-year-old daughter, sought refuge in the shelter six months ago. Lisova expresses gratitude for the shelter's hot meals and psychological support, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining composure in such trying times.

As they approach the New Year, these resilient individuals, each with their unique stories, find solace in the shelter, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit persists.