In the midst of tragedy, a resilient Ukrainian woman shares her perspective on life.
Beside a moving memorial in Kyiv dedicated to the fallen, Olha Guyazdovska expresses her weariness of the ongoing war. Despite it being four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the turmoil persists. “Many people now live in a state of shock every day,” the 34-year-old remarks. “Our hearts are constantly under stress… We struggle to sleep at night, finding refuge in shelters. For four years, we have endured losses, and this is heartbreaking.”
Located at Maidan Square in the capital, a pivotal site in Ukraine’s recent history, where protests led to the downfall of the pro-Kremlin regime in 2014, the country has faced numerous challenges since. The illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia and conflicts with Kremlin-backed separatists in Ukraine’s east further complicated the situation.
Following Moscow’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, a day etched in Ukraine’s chronicles, the citizens have had to persevere despite relentless aerial attacks. Olha reflects on the uncertainty, stating, “We are unsure of our next steps or how to make a difference as the situation remains abnormal and beyond our control. Yet, every day, we rise and carry on with our responsibilities.”
On this anniversary, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accompanied by European leaders at the square, commended the nation’s resilience, asserting, “…we have preserved our statehood; Putin has failed to achieve his objectives.”
Expressing her thoughts on Vladimir Putin, Olha denounces him unequivocally, describing him as a dark and heartless individual. Meanwhile, British politician Keir Starmer conveyed the UK’s solidarity with Ukraine, highlighting the contrasting realities faced by the people in both countries.
The past year witnessed a surge in civilian casualties in Ukraine, with as many as 2,514 individuals losing their lives and 12,142 sustaining injuries in 2025, a 31% increase from the previous year. The toll of the ongoing conflict is deeply felt by many, including student Oleksandra Kolydenko, who hopes for a peaceful future devoid of the horrors of war.
As the country navigates through uncertain times, Zelenskyy acknowledges Ukraine’s resilience against Russia’s formidable military. Despite the ongoing negotiations brokered by the US, key differences persist, hindering progress towards peace and stability. The escalating death toll on the battlefield underscores the urgency of resolving the conflict.
With a significant portion of Ukraine under Russian occupation, Oleksandra appeals to the global community to compel a halt to the aggression without territorial concessions, emphasizing the significance of every inch of her homeland. She also condemns Putin, urging Russians to reject propaganda and lay down their arms.
Looking ahead, Olha remains hopeful that this may be the final year of the war, emphasizing the Ukrainian people’s unwavering spirit and desire for freedom.
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