Life in Ukraine’s war zone
- simoneworthing
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
As many of us in Australia and around the world enjoy a holiday break after the Christmas season, others, such as those in Ukraine, continue to live with the trauma, fear and devastation of war. Salvation Army personnel in Ukraine and beyond are continuously working to bring help and hope to their communities, regardless of circumstances.
Here, The Salvation Army's international magazine, All The World, shares four snapshots of stories from the frontlines.
Natalia Korkhova, Dnipro, Ukraine
In March 2022, Natalia Ivanivna, 67, fled from Pology in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine. She and her family escaped under heavy shelling, travelling dangerous, mined roads, and were robbed by Russian soldiers at checkpoints. After losing everything they settled in a small dormitory room in Dnipro. They are now living here – five people in one room – while Natalia’s son-in-law serves in the army.
“It was the first time in years I felt something light inside,” she shared. “The warmth of people around me helped me open up again.”
Natalia, a former accountant, hesitantly approached The Salvation Army for support. Over time, she became a volunteer and began attending programs. Last Christmas, she participated in a craft class and worship: “It was the first time in years I felt something light inside,” she shared. “The warmth of people around me helped me open up again.” She started praying and seeking connection with God – a meaningful shift in her life journey at such a difficult time.
Halyna Pohrebniak (Kharkiv, Ukraine) Halyna is a displaced woman from Kupyansk. She lost her home in the chaos of war and barely managed to escape. Alone and exhausted, she arrived in Kharkiv with only a small bag of belongings. Last year, she received a devastating medical diagnosis – a possible brain tumour.
“I don’t want to talk about the war … I cry every time,” she said. “But here, I found peace.”
She came to The Salvation Army seeking help, but found something more – community. “I don’t want to talk about the war … I cry every time,” she said. “But here, I found peace.” During the Christmas Day celebrations at her church in 2024, she became a soldier (full member) of The Salvation Army. “You helped me see God differently,” Halyna shared. “You gave me hope when I had none.”
Nazarenko Family (Vinnytsia, Ukraine)
In the summer of 2023, Viktor and Natalia Nazarenko fled their village in Zaporizhzhia after it was occupied. In Vinnytsia, they were referred to The Salvation Army by local services. Viktor quickly became a volunteer. Later, Natalia started attending worship services and programs.
For the first time since fleeing, their children laughed freely, and they felt a sense of safety and belonging.
Last year they celebrated Christmas with their new family of The Salvation Army: “In our real home, there are now Russian soldiers. But here, with the Army, we celebrated Christmas like a real family,” Viktor said. The event included songs, food, games and warm conversation. For the first time since fleeing, their children laughed freely, and they felt a sense of safety and belonging.
Yuliia (Kyiv, Mayak Corps) In 2022, Yuliia and her husband evacuated from Sievierodonetsk. Her husband had previously survived captivity in 2016, so the decision to flee was immediate when the full-scale invasion began. With their young son, they began a new life in Kyiv.
Last year they celebrated Christmas at Mayak Salvation Army church and Yuliia was deeply moved. “We never celebrated Christmas – only New Year. But here, I felt something very different. Like I belonged to the family.” She later offered to teach fitness classes at the church for free, saying: “It’s my way of giving back.” Her three-year-old son also attended the celebration and received his first real Christmas gift.
Their mother shared: “For the first time since the war began, I saw my children smile and relax.” The Christmas event allowed the children to be children again – not victims, not refugees, but kids surrounded by care and celebration.
Kostia and Masha (Pisochyn, Ukraine) Kostia and his older sister Masha were forced to flee with their family when the war reached their hometown. “There were bombs. It was so scary,” he said. They settled in the small town of Pisochyn, where they knew no one and had nothing to do.
Soon after, they were invited to The Salvation Army’s local centre. There, they found not only safety and structure, but joy. “We make crafts, we have friends now,” said Kostia. His sister, Masha, especially enjoyed the Christmas celebrations which included a festive event with gifts, songs, games and a warm meal.
Their mother shared: “For the first time since the war began, I saw my children smile and relax.” The Christmas event allowed the children to be children again – not victims, not refugees, but kids surrounded by care and celebration.
The tradition of making a ‘Christingle’ orange originated in Germany and is practised in many countries around the world. The orange represents the world in which a candle is inserted to symbolise Jesus the light of the world. The red ribbon represents Jesus’ sacrifice, and the sweets symbolise God’s bounty.
This Advent, when we light our Christingle candles, or Advent candles in other countries, let us not forget those in Ukraine and other regions of the world such as Gaza and Sudan where people continue to live under war conditions. We extend our love this Christmas to Natalia and her family, the Nazarenko family, Yuliia and her family and Kostia and Masha and all those who are suffering in war-torn countries.
Editorial Team
IHQ Program Resources
The team behind All the World
