Svitlana Antonova grew up in the village of Parutyne, near the “Olvia” reserve — the remains of an ancient Greek city-state founded back in the 7th century BC. This place is unique: here lie ancient ruins that remember thousands of years of history. But now this ancient Ukrainian land is strewn with fragments and mines after russian shelling, and it will remain dangerous for many years.

Svitlana clearly remembers how russian drones were flying over the houses. One of them flew into the kitchen and exploded — half of the house was destroyed! The girl says: miraculously, no one was hurt, because everyone was at work.

The front line is very close, just a few kilometers away. So enemy drones in this area are part of everyday life: they fly low, sometimes even hunt people.

Svitlana’s family is always on alert: the “emergency suitcase” is packed, the car is ready to leave at any moment. “Life is more important than any home,” her mother repeats.

Despite everything, the girl finds strength in creativity: she draws, writes texts and dreams of becoming a graphic designer.

Svitlana shared her story during the “Peaceful Rest for the Children of Ukraine” program in Zakarpattia, organized by the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation.