Wounds of War: Russia's Assault on Civilians

The Lingering Echoes of War in Ukraine

The sounds of war have become a constant presence in Ukrainian cities, with sirens piercing the silence of night and echoing through the afternoons. On April 24, Kyiv experienced a devastating missile attack that claimed the lives of a dozen people and destroyed an entire apartment building. Amid the chaos, emergency responders worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped in the rubble.

“This is a rescue operation,” one firefighter explained. “And it's right next to a school.”

The scene was a mix of fear and determination as neighbors gathered on their rooftops, tossing shrapnel away while reporters documented the stories unfolding below. A quiet question lingered in the eyes of those present: How many more broken windows? How many more flowers left at fresh-made memorials?

Don Hutchens, a former head of the Nebraska Corn Board, traveled to Ukraine in the spring and witnessed the aftermath of destruction firsthand. He stood before a picture left behind in a bombed-out apartment, reflecting on the tragedy.

“It could be my family. It could be your family,” he said. “It could be any family in Nebraska, in the United States. But it ends up being a Ukraine family. And they didn't do anything wrong. They didn't deserve this.”

In Izyum, nearly 60 people lost their lives in a tragic attack. Hutchens walked through the ruins, now a haunting time capsule of life before the violence began. Those who survive such attacks, like Ruslan and his son Maxim, are among the millions of refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) in Ukraine.

“I don't have any possessions,” Ruslan said. “Everything was destroyed.”

They both shared the story of how they lost their home.

“We got up to go to the bathroom,” Maxim said. “And the rocket hit where we just were.”

“Our biological clock saved our lives,” Ruslan added.

IDPs live in a world full of contradictions. While some areas of Ukraine still feature shopping malls, flea markets, restaurants, and tourist attractions, others are surrounded by rubble and solemn monuments. This stark contrast is especially hard for children, who are often most affected by the dissonance.

Military chaplain Gennadiy Mokhnenko has spent years running a refuge for orphans and children from broken homes, starting in Mariupol, which was heavily targeted by Russian forces early in the conflict.

“Officer called and told me, you must evacuate your children's home immediately,” Mokhnenko recalled. “And it was like a competition between Russian tanks and my convoy with women and children.”

Mokhnenko usually serves on the front lines, carrying both a rifle and a Bible. This time, however, he brought the children to a safer place — Republik Pilgrim, a refuge nestled in the Carpathian Mountains.

“I have a lot of nightmares,” 11-year-old Max said. “A lot of them, constantly waking up in fear.”

At the compound, children can play, pray, and learn remotely amidst the tranquility of forests and streams.

“They taught me how to read, how to write, how to express myself,” 13-year-old Kyra said. “I was very shy. Now I'm completely different person.”

Another project aiming to help children in Ukraine is the Child of Light orphanage, set to open outside Kyiv. The group behind the initiative held multiple fundraisers in Lincoln, Nebraska, in April.

“There's a lot more kids who have become orphans,” Ewon Gusanu, one of the leaders of the project, said. “The need is there, and it's bigger than ever. You know, we can't wait for the work to stop to be able to do something.”

Elena Chucha and her family have been part of the Lincoln community for years. Now, they're helping create a safe haven for children who have fallen through the cracks of a system facing existential challenges.

“Any child is our future,” Chucha said. “And the way we will raise these kids, mentor these kids, these kids will be our future, the future of this country.”

Child of Light is expected to open its doors in the fall, offering hope to children who have endured unimaginable loss.

Ongoing Challenges and Hope

As the war continues, the need for support and resources remains critical. From emergency aid to long-term recovery efforts, the impact of the conflict is felt across all levels of society. The resilience of those affected, including children, offers a glimpse of the strength that lies within communities striving to rebuild and heal.

With every story of loss, there is also a story of survival, adaptation, and hope. As the world watches, the urgent call for action and compassion grows louder.