Oleksandra Bieliikova

She is witnessing war with her own eyes for the second time. She was 4 years old when World War II began, and 85 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“I didn’t have a childhood,” says Ms. Oleksandra. “The first thing I remember is the war. And what stuck with me the most is the tears of the cows. When the Germans were advancing, they drove all the livestock forward so it wouldn’t fall into their hands, and the cows were crying.”

After the war ended, the little girl went to school, starting first grade at the age of 9. She completed only 5 grades and then began working on a collective farm.

“Life is a struggle, we are constantly fighting for something, both in our personal lives and for our country,” says Ms. Oleksandra. “But I am happy that I am here now, not at home. I don’t hear the shelling, I don’t see the fires. Because that is very frightening.”

At that time, they were being rebuilt, and workers were in great demand.

Later, Ms. Oleksandra worked at the Donetsk plant “Tochmash.” She got married and had a son.

Now, the woman is blind in one eye, as her right eye was removed due to glaucoma. Her left eye only has 15% vision. Yet, she still reads. She has recently become captivated by the historical novel “The Man-Eaters” by Zinaida Tulub. She says the book touches her soul.

She cannot read for long periods, only 2-3 pages at a time before putting it down.

Now, the woman is completely alone. Her son passed away a few years ago. The only one left with her is her cat. But even her cat had to be given away when she left.