Surviving the War in Ukraine

February 24, 2026 –
An Update From Alla

The day that forever altered everything…

Exactly four years ago, we had plans for tomorrow, for the day after, for the month ahead, and for the year. I dreamed of my small, rare plant nursery and of writing my book. But I could never have imagined that the events that followed would drive us to the edge of survival, and that I would be sitting in a cold, damp basement, writing my book amidst the most terrible and relentless mass attacks…

Four years of the war felt like a lifetime stretched into moments. It seems like the last time I hugged my granny was during childhood, even though it was actually in 2024.

I remember everything vividly — the chilling roar of those initial missile explosions at dawn, the bright orange glow lighting up the sky, and my first desperate cry: “Granny, it’s war.”

As time went on, the attacks only evolved, incorporating not just missiles but also drones and glide bombs. Each wave brought greater destruction, a relentless assault that took more lives and shattered more families. The constant barrage of explosions made the very ground beneath us quiver, sometimes damaging the house and leaving the roof trembling in defeat.

Amid the chaos, I recall the profound relief brought by Mia and her incredible family. They were the first to reach out, offering help and unwavering kindness when everything seemed lost. Despite the darkness surrounding us, their support lit the way, reminding us that compassion endures.

Fear became an unwelcome companion, a shadow lurking at every corner. Each day was tinged with uncertainty, every moment a test of resilience with no electricity, heating and water supply.

Yet, there were glimmers of hope, small acts of kindness that stitched a thread of humanity through the tapestry of despair.

I also remember filming for Erin’s incredible documentary, a project that brought our struggle for survival into the world’s view. Through this experience, I discovered Patreon, a supportive community that has been a lifeline in these difficult times. I thank God every day for this network of kindness, for the hope it has offered us, and for showing me that solidarity knows no boundaries.

These memories are etched in my mind, a mosaic of sorrow and solace. Though these years have been marked by pain, they are also a reminder of the strength and solidarity that emerged amidst the ruins.

I remember that life. Four years ago, though it feels like it’s been fourty. Everything was taken from us — our plans, our dreams, our loved ones… just for no reason at all…

But what’s even more devastating is that the war rages on and shows no signs of stopping… We are being extinguished, and we still rely entirely on your support to survive…

I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for all your donations. Your support provides us with the essential supplies on which our lives completely depend – food, medicines and fuel for the generator. You’ve given us hope and strength to carry on through these darkest times, and for that, I am endlessly thankful. Your compassion makes a real difference in our lives, and we are forever grateful for your ongoing support.

With huge gratitude,

Alla

June 29, 2025 – An Update From Alla

This night we had one of the most terrible massive attacks, the explosions weren’t concentrated in Kharkiv only, but all over Ukraine. The night was absolutely terrible, the alert didn’t switch off, we couldn’t sleep and had to stay in the cold basement. But thanks God we are alive! I wanted to write this post so that you do not have to worry about us.

June 6, 2025 – An Update From Alla

The hostilities here do not stop, the situation continues to aggravate and we continue to live in the hell. The video shows the recent explosions, several of them were close to our house, the house cracked and I really do not like the crack, I’m afraid that the walls will start driving apart, so possibly I will need to find someone who will be able to make some repairs … Civil houses are destroyed every day and every day I’m afraid so much about our house and our lives… The assault on my region continues and the news are not encouraging at all… Also the situation in Sumy region became really terrible, this is the neighboring region and it seems that the fights for Sumy will start very soon, it’s a big city and the inhabitants are already forced to flee, because the front line is already in 15 kilometers from the city which means massive strikes with FPV drones all the time, soon the city will be within the reach of the artillery which will be a real disaster. Also the frontline will drive very close to us because Sumy region borders Kharkiv region… We are absolutely terrified… The talks gave no results… we see that the war won’t stop and that the attacks only grow in number…

I didn’t feel well recently. Yesterday I had to visit the hospital, I had several moles that were bothering me and the doctor recommended that I definitely remove these growths. Yesterday I finally managed to find some time and go to the hospital because lately my family have had health problems and I just don’t have time for myself at all.

All in all, I can say that I feel exhausted… I am very concerned about the health of my loved ones. I almost do not post in the social media, it’s so difficult for me to write about the war… I understand how everyone is tired of this war, but unfortunately it isn’t going to end… I’m absolutely grateful for your help and constant support on this resource, because otherwise we won’t be able to survive at all. Knowing that I have so many people believing in me, helping and supporting me and my family keeps me resisting all these circumstances and keeps me still alive.

April 14, 2025 – An Update From Alla

The attacks here continue in the regular mode – every day… Although there are talks about truce, in reality nothing is being done at all and people in my city are being killed… The frontline continues to drive closer as well… The local authorities say that in summer a new assault on our region will start – to tell the truth, we are terrified, but we can do nothing about it… Just live and see what happens next… I try not to think about this – I have so much work with my loved ones, around the house that by the evening I feel exhausted, it helps not to think about the war too much…

Year Four – An Update From Alla

Kharkiv, Ukraine
March 2025

Friends,

Several days ago, the fourth year of the war began. This feels both terrible and unbelievable. The situation in my country is becoming increasingly difficult as hostilities continue. The frontline is moving closer, and the number of missile, drone, and glide bomb attacks is not decreasing. Last night, my city was heavily bombed, with more than 10 explosions causing our house to shake several times.

The infrastructure and economy of my country are nearly destroyed, and inflation has turned into hyperinflation, making it almost impossible to survive. Unfortunately, the hardest times are ahead of us.

Thanks to the support we have received, my family has managed to endure these long three years, which feels like a miracle. That’s why I try to remain hopeful, and when I feel too down, I try to push those thoughts away and… to think about the flowers…

With big gratitude,

Alla

Winter in Kharkiv, Ukraine (again)

Alla and her loved ones are in their FOURTH YEAR of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine. Over 1,000 days since Alla and her husband, Vitaliy’s world in Kharkiv, Ukraine, was ripped open and terror set in. Only 40 miles from the Russian border, their days are filled with missile and drone attacks, glide bombs, air raids and blackouts. Explosions that rock their house almost daily. And winter is still here.

Tough decisions have to be made again by Alla Olkhovska. When to run the generator – fuel is expensive. Medicines are crucial for her loved ones. They are budgeted first along with food.  Winter brings darkness with the constant blackouts. No light means no Internet as well as other utilities. Air raids are incessant.

All hope is not lost. Alla does have her garden and her clematis seeds that she sells. She has her camera that creates a much needed stillness in a world surrounded by chaos. She has her husband, Vitaliy, who still battles long Covid and her mother-in-law. And hope, most of all she has hope.

Hope that her country will win the war.  That she will rebuild her city with all of her loved ones by her side. And that her garden will thrive.

How Far We’ve Come

Its been over 1,000 days since we began helping Alla and her family, its hard to believe the Russian Invasion continues. The money we raise goes to surviving. Over the years  we have helped Alla with house repairs due to constant missile and drone attacks in Kharkiv. Medicine and health care are essential, someone is always ill.  In Ukraine everything medical is out of pocket. With doctors and pharmacists being sent to the front lines. Local health care is becoming hard to find and gets more expensive every day.

We have unfortunately assisted with two funerals. Alla’s great-aunt and her precious Granny.

As the war continues its destruction, we will continue to help.

We can’t do this alone.

Thank you so much!!