Monday, 24 February, marks three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In that time, at least 12,400 civilians have been killed and another 30,000 people were injured, according to the United Nations.
Ukraine’s young adults, however, have not been broken. Instead, many have carved new paths forward.
Lidia Hnatiuk, a case manager for Caritas Ternopil, is one of them. When the war broke out, Ms. Hnatiuk was studying finance, but redirected her career aspirations to social work because of her volunteer experience with Caritas Ukraine.
“Our young people became more mature and responsible since the full-scale invasion in 2022,” she said.
“Caritas became a place where you could do good deeds, show compassion and your willingness to sacrifice something for the sake of others.”
Ms. Hnatiuk works with displaced people in Ternopil. Her work incudes greeting those who arrive on evacuation trains. “Every story leaves a big hole in your heart. People don’t always care about getting material aid — sometimes the only thing they need is to be listened to, supported and shown that they are not alone in this world.”
Hear more from Ms. Hnatiuk in this video. Then, read “Hardly Lost” in the December 2024 edition of ONE magazine.