Serhii Voropaiev from the village of Kozyntsi talks about the early days of the full-scale invasion that changed the lives of millions of Ukrainians. “Almost every day was scary,” he says, describing the shelling that became a daily occurrence for his community.

Although the occupation did not affect them directly, the constant rocket attacks and explosions made people live in fear. But even in the darkest times, when smoke and fear filled the air, Serhii did not stay away. He found a way to help by becoming part of a volunteer organization working in the neighboring village of Dibrova. “I mainly make trench candles,” Serhii says, his eyes shining with pride. In two years, he has made 3,690 candles, each one a symbol of hope and support for the soldiers on the front.

The process of making candles is not just mechanical work. It is a ritual that requires patience and attention. “It probably takes half an hour for one candle,” he explains, describing in detail how he melts the paraffin, prepares the boxes, and fills the candles.