Valentina Kolosova is 67 years old and has one son and one daughter. Valentina worked in a canteen, and after she retired, she stopped working to care for her 92-years-old mother. Her life in Avdiivka, in Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast, changed in 2014 when Avdiivka became a frontline city and was frequently shelled during the fighting in Donbas.
Living in one of the hotspots of fighting—between the Ukrainian army and forces of non-government-controlled areas—was already difficult. However, life changed significantly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February. Fighting around Avdiivka intensified, and on the 16th of May, the war brutally knocked on Valentina's door.
Valentina stayed in the kindergarten in Selydove, which is now a collective centre that works mainly for elderly people who had fled the fierce fighting in the settlements along the frontline. "We are eleven people in one room now, and everyone is friendly; we do not have quarrels," says Valentina. In her words, people usually live on their own.
"We mostly read, go to the store for shopping; I went to the bank, visited the local church and cemetery," Valentina describes her life as an internally displaced person. She adds that she has enough of everything and many products are available in the city market.
But one thing she misses the most is home. "I want to go home already. I want this to end soon, and I want to go home." However, a return is impossible due to heavy fighting in the area. Nevertheless, Valentina can at least keep in contact via mobile phone with relatives and friends who stayed.
The roof of Valentina's house is damaged, and the windows are broken. "When I left, I patched them up. They helped me. The fence is also beaten up. A neighbour says that everything remains the same; it is not getting worse for now," says Valentina.
Even though she has not seen her children for a long time, they are discussing their future together. "Children say: 'Mom, take care of yourself, and we will come and restore the house; we will do everything ourselves." Valentina's wishes and message to people outside Ukraine is simple.
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