I came to Estonia in May 2019. My father, relatives, and friends live in Kyiv, Donetsk, and Pokrovsk. I keep close contact with them.

Life in Ukraine now exists in two parallel realities. Early in the morning, drones and rockets fly, bringing death and destruction. People go to shelters or corridors, waiting for a chance to use the restroom and lie on a mattress. Then the sun rises, and the city comes to life, full of cars, tasks, and work. This is the daily routine for my loved ones. And when there's no electricity, the worst part is losing connection – you don’t even know if your loved ones are still alive.

To prepare for winter, my father replaced the gas boiler with a wood-fired one. They bought several power banks and stocked up on canned goods. The biggest challenge in winter, they say, is living in a basement without ventilation, food, or heat.

I worry about the elderly and vulnerable people who find it very hard to leave home, even when there’s no heat or electricity. I haven’t seen any reason that would make them willing to leave their homes.

You ask what I would like to say to the people of Estonia regarding what’s happening in Ukraine? Your support through warm words, glances, and deeds warms the heart greatly.

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