Veronika from Kharkiv knows well what life under shelling is like. She remembers how the night sky above the city was full of Shaheeds - it was scary, she had to hide in a dark corner of the room. It was then that her cat Murchyk disappeared. Frightened by the explosions, he ran away and never returned.

The family tried to find their pet: they placed ads on social networks, asked neighbors. But nothing.  Murchyk was part of Veronika’s childhood, symbol of the warmth of home that was taken away by the war.

Veronika draws animals and nature, practices gymnastics. She often draws Murchyk - hoping that he will return someday.

Veronika told her story as part of the project “Rinat Akhmetov for Children. Peaceful rest for children of Ukraine”. This project in the form of a camp helps children recover, gives peace and support.