Sixteen-year-old Valerii Soldatenko grew up in the Luhansk region of Ukraine. Then Russia invaded. He lived under Russian rule for about six months. But when the invaders forced a Russian curriculum on the local schools, Valerii chose to flee.
“I really didn’t want to conform to the Russian education system,” he says.
Now Valerii lives in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. He is entering his final year of high school. He wants to become a journalist or a history teacher. Like him, most teenagers in Ukraine have more to deal with than grades and college choices. They also wrestle with the realities of war.
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The Russians expected a swift victory, but the war continues. Ukraine’s forces have reclaimed several areas and even pushed into parts of Russia. But according to 16-year-old Oleksandr Hryshchenk, Russia’s attacks have also grown more intense.
“People who are farther from the border are still enjoying, celebrating the capture of new villages. But they don’t understand, don’t feel, don’t know what’s happening in the border area,” he says. “The Russians have started striking towns much more aggressively.”
Oleksandr is also starting his final year of high school. Most of his schooling will take place online. Many of his neighbors have fled. His father has served on the front lines since the early days of the war. But in the midst of turmoil, Oleksandr concentrates on his education. He’s already preparing for college entrance exams.
Kseniia Kucher, also 16, lives in the city of Kharkiv. Sometimes the thunder of Russian bombardment wakes her at night. “Being a teenager during war is hard,” she says.
She dreams of celebrating her graduation by taking a trip with her classmates. But with routine Russian strikes, that might not happen.
Earlier this year, a summer camp offered a safe haven for the three high schoolers. A charity foundation called Voices of Children created the camp. Far from the front lines, it gave war-weary teens a place to feel like kids again.
“There was no focus on war,” says Oleksandr.
Kseniia cherishes the chance to share her experiences with other teens. Back home, she tries to avoid planning for the uncertain future. But camp feels different. “I even started having some dreams here,” she says.
Summer camp created a place of refuge for Kseniia. In the midst of hard times, God promises to do the same for us. No matter our troubles, we can rest in Him. When the present looks frightening, God promises hope.
“I am confident that Ukraine will have a future, I will have a future, and I know that everything will be fine,” says Oleksandr. “But we need to get through these times.”
He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler. — Psalm 91:4
