In 2014, with the outbreak of hostilities in eastern Ukraine, Natalia Poznakhor’s son-in-law was mobilized into the army. Young, newly married, he died, one day before his 24th birthday. Natalia’s daughter became a volunteer. They cooked, delivered aid, and went to the front. Eventually, her daughter became a paramedic and went to the front herself. Then she returned home to continue her service in the rear: she helps veterans, heads a charity fund, and at the time of this interview, she is the deputy minister for veterans’ affairs. “The whole family takes her as an example. We work for victory,” says Natalia.

In the village of Vodotyi, Zhytomyr region, where the woman lives, a volunteer center was organized: they cook homemade dishes, bake delicacies, weave nets, collect aid for the defenders. Both children, teachers, and technical staff of the school are involved. And the amateur group “Chereshenka”, in which Natalia sings, holds charity concerts, raises funds for the needs of the army. The war touched every part of Natalia’s life. However, she did not allow herself to despair. She chose the path of support, help, belief.