Nina Karpukhina

Nina Karpukhina is originally from Donetsk region, from the town of Kostiantynivka. She is 70 years old. She grew up in a working-class family and was accustomed to hard work from an early age. It was this hard work and the various difficulties she faced that shaped her character – a strong, resilient woman who always stood on her own two feet.

After graduating from a vocational school, Nina Vasylivna went to work as a crane operator. It was a very tough and dangerous job, but she was not afraid. Through her hard work on construction sites, she earned respect, although the constant physical strain from working with her head lowered on the construction site eventually took its toll — health problems became inevitable. However, despite her illnesses, Mrs. Nina continued working until she retired. For her, as someone who had been used to working all her life, this was a difficult period.

Mrs. Nina’s husband passed away 15 years ago. She has a son, who is 50 years old. He stayed in Kostiantynivka. At first, she hesitated to leave her hometown, even though the shelling had become more frequent. But when the situation in Donetsk region worsened dramatically, she decided to leave for Cherkasy region. After that, she moved to Rivne, and finally, her third destination – Ivano-Frankivsk region. Here, she ended up at the shelter. Mrs. Nina never expected that in such a difficult time as war, a humane environment like this could be created.

“If it weren’t for the war, I would have thought I was at a resort. This is a miracle!” – shares the woman.

She continues to believe in Ukraine’s victory and misses her son, who stayed at home in Kostiantynivka. Mrs. Nina stays in constant contact with him. Their house is intact, and that is a great comfort for her, as there is a place to return to.