Ukrainian First Responder Embodies Nation’s Resilience Two Years After Invasion
Bila Tserkva, Ukraine – Two years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion, life in Ukraine continues under the shadow of air raid sirens and the constant threat of attack. For Ivan, a 25-year-old emergency responder, the war has transformed his life, demanding a level of endurance he never imagined.
Before February 24, 2022, Ivan worked in customer service for a postal company in the Kyiv region. He recalls a jarring awakening that morning, discovering he was the only one at work. Explosions had already begun to rock areas near his city, though he had slept through the initial strikes.
Driven to contribute, Ivan initially attempted to join the armed forces, but was turned away due to a lack of military training. Months later, an opportunity arose within the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. He quickly seized it.
Today, Ivan is a sergeant in an emergency response unit, primarily responding to the aftermath of missile and drone strikes. The work has been a harsh teacher. “At first, I was afraid to walk on unstable rubble,” he admitted. “Over time, fear gave way to experience.”
His days are marked by constant readiness. He sleeps with his phone under his pillow, prepared for immediate call-up, and sometimes finds himself sleeping in his car between shifts. Even on his days off, he remains on standby.
The relentless nature of the conflict is taking its toll. “The hardest part is that it’s becoming normal,” Ivan said. “No Ukrainian likes this. People are tired. Tired, but they are holding on.”
The ongoing war has caused immense suffering and displacement. According to the United Nations, as of February 2024, over 10,000 civilians have been confirmed killed, though the actual number is believed to be considerably higher. Millions more have been displaced, both within Ukraine and as refugees in neighboring countries. The Ukrainian government continues to appeal for international assistance to support its defense and humanitarian efforts.
Ivan’s story is a microcosm of the broader Ukrainian experience – a testament to the nation’s unwavering spirit in the face of unrelenting aggression. His dedication, alongside that of countless others, embodies the resilience that defines Ukraine today.
(Photo credit: Dan Bashakov/AP) – Images show Ivan working before the war and with his dog in Bila Tserkva, February 21, 2026.
