Imagine the horror: you’re 8 years old, locked in a dark, freezing basement with your mother by Russian soldiers. Your father is being beaten and tortured upstairs — and you can hear his screams. Artem lived through this. When the basement door finally opened, a soldier mocked his mother, lifting her skirt with a rifle: “Let’s see what’s under here.” Artem’s father rushed to protect his family — they beat him brutally, fired shots into the air, and threatened: “We’ll be back. Again and again.” Artem screamed in terror. The trauma still haunts him. He twitches in his sleep. He became aggressive. For a month, he wet the bed. Can you imagine this kind of nightmare?
⠀
The family lost everything. Their home was looted — even the doors and windows were stolen. They sold their cow and car for a pittance just to survive. When they fled to southern Ukraine, a new kind of hell awaited.
⠀
At school, Artem was forced to wear a military cap, march to “Katyusha,” and dress in a uniform colored like the Russian flag. If he spoke Ukrainian, he was bullied. The school principal threatened him: “Shout ‘Glory to Russia,’ or you’ll fail.” Kids taunted him: “Ukrainian! Get out of here!” Artem was terrified to go outside. Drunken soldiers fired their guns in the middle of the village — even with children around.
⠀
Save Ukraine became their lifeline. We helped Artem and his family escape the occupation, find a safe home, and begin psychological rehabilitation. But the scars of war don’t heal quickly. Artem still needs time to feel safe enough to smile again.
⠀
Every child we rescue is a victory over the darkness of war. Save Ukraine is fighting for thousands of children like Artem.
⠀
We are deeply grateful to WeAreAllUkrainians for their tireless work and commitment to helping Ukraine. Your support not only helps Ukrainian children endure these dark times — it saves lives and helps restore their hope for the future. 🙏