Yeva Skalietska was born on February 14, 2010, in Kharkiv, Ukraine. She was raised by her grandmother, Irina Skalietska, in a modest apartment in the city. From their home, Yeva could see the vast empty fields that stretched out towards the Russian border. Before the outbreak of war, Yeva lived a typical childhood, attending school, spending time with friends, and enjoying hobbies such as painting and playing ten-pin bowling.
Yeva's life was forever changed in February 2022 when the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. Fearing for their safety, Yeva and her grandmother made the difficult decision to flee their home on the first day of the war. The apartment where Yeva grew up was later destroyed in the fighting, leaving behind a painful reminder of the conflict that tore their lives apart.
Despite the chaos and uncertainty surrounding her, Yeva found solace in writing. She began a diary to document her experiences as a young Ukrainian refugee fleeing from the horrors of war. This diary would later be published as You Don't Know What War Is: The Diary of a Young Girl from Ukraine, a poignant account of life during the conflict.
After leaving Ukraine, Yeva and her grandmother sought refuge in Ireland. Adjusting to life in a new country proved challenging for Yeva, who had to learn English, the local language. Despite the difficulties of starting over in a foreign land, Yeva remained determined to continue her education and rebuild her life after the devastation of war.
Yeva's story caught the attention of the media, with her interview becoming an iconic moment in the early days of the war. Her courage and resilience in the face of adversity were widely shared on social media, earning her recognition both in Ukraine and abroad. She was also featured in the Irish Times, where her story touched the hearts of many readers.
Yeva's diary has drawn comparisons to the iconic diary of Anne Frank, who documented her experiences during World War II. Like Frank, Yeva's writings offer a poignant glimpse into the realities of war and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Yeva remains determined to continue her diary for as long as the fighting continues. Her words serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of keeping hope alive in the darkest of times.
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