Yurii From Cherkasy

Before the war, I built machinery for the woodworking industry and raised my son and daughter. I never would’ve imagined—even in my worst nightmare—that I’d have to pick up a weapon.

Stepan From Berestyn

Before the war, I worked as an electrician. Every day meant heading out to job sites, climbing up high, and repairing power lines — all so people could have light and warmth in their homes. Back then, I couldn’t even imagine that the results of years of our work would be wiped out by missile strikes from our crazy neighbor. I couldn’t stand aside when the enemy started destroying everything I’d poured my strength into — and my hopes for the future. So I decided to trade my tool belt for a body armor vest, and my tools for a weapon. Because I understood one simple thing: if we want light in our windows again, we first have to drive out the ones who came to bring us darkness.

Yurii From Kharkiv

Before the war, I was a small business owner — I was growing my business and planning for the future. Until the very last moment, I couldn’t believe a war with Russia could really happen. But when it did, I made the decision to pick up a weapon and defend my country.

Oleksii From Kramatorsk

Before the war, I was the captain of FC Kramatorsk’s U-19 team — football was everything to me. Now it feels like a different life, and sometimes it’s hard to believe it was even real, because reality has changed so much.

Ivan From Kyiv

Before the war, I worked in telecom and genuinely loved my job. Outside of work, I was into fishing, the gym, and long bike rides. When the war began in 2014 — Crimea and the first battles in the east — I decided to join the army. During my compulsory service, I took an oath to the Ukrainian people to defend our country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and in the neighborhood where I grew up (Troieshchyna in Kyiv), you keep your word. I went to the enlistment office several times until they finally took me in, and I spent more than a year in service. When the full-scale invasion started in 2022, I returned to the army and ended up in an assault regiment, where I still serve today.

Valerii From Odesa

Before the war, I worked as a truck driver, hauling goods and helping keep everyday life moving. But when the full-scale invasion began, I didn’t hesitate — I joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I was proud to defend our country, fighting those who came to our land and doing my part to protect Ukrainian civilians and their peace.

Oleg From Vinnytsia

Before the war, I worked in construction — building homes — and I truly believed I was helping create a solid future for people and for my city. After the war, I want to go back to that work: rebuild what was destroyed, and live on my own land without fear, knowing exactly what we endured and what we stood strong for.

Serhii From Odesa

After finishing school, I chose to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine to serve my country. Even when I was young, I wanted to be part of something bigger — something that truly matters for Ukraine.

Vasyl From Mykolaiv

Before the war, I worked at a nuclear power plant. It was a big responsibility — safety and stability every day — and it taught me discipline and precision in every decision. My life was calm and well-ordered: I made plans and truly believed in tomorrow.

Taras From Lutsk

Before the war, I worked as a long-haul truck driver. I traveled through cities and villages, saw how different people live, and got used to the road — the freedom of movement and the simple joys of everyday life. That job gave me a real sense of independence and stability.

Volodymyr From Lutsk

Before the war, I worked at a factory making electrical wiring for cars. I was used to a steady job, my team, and the simple everyday routine. I lived a peaceful life and honestly never imagined how fast everything could change.

Vyacheslav From Bila Tserkva

Before the war, I worked in alternative heating — bringing modern European heating solutions to Ukraine and installing systems for large facilities (over 10,000 sq. m.). It helped local communities and businesses save real money. Today, I have the honor of defending Ukraine’s borders and fighting back against the Russian invasion.

Pavlo From Nova Kakhovka

Before the war, I worked in the patrol police in Kherson Oblast, helping keep order in the Kherson community. When the full-scale invasion began, I joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine — I felt that, with my background, I could be more useful there. Today, I have the honor of defending Ukraine’s borders and fighting back against the Russian invasion.