The Ukrainian village of Rybakivka, located on the Black Sea coast, used to be a resort destination filled with tourists and joy. Veronika Plakhtii, a 16-year-old resident of the village, recalls how before the war she and her mother used to work on the beach while her father went fishing. It was a happy childhood. But when the war started, everything changed.

The village, which was once full of life, now looks more like an exclusion zone. The recreation centres are abandoned, the beaches are mined. The girl recalls the deaths of her fellow villagers, including a small child. These tragedies left a deep mark on the hearts of the locals.

Despite all the difficulties, Veronika is actively involved in volunteering and helping the Ukrainian military. Veronika’s story is a testament to the resilience of the younger generation, which, despite the difficulties, believes in a better future for itself and its country. The girl told her story while participating in the project “Rinat Akhmetov to Children. Peaceful Summer”.