The war in Ukraine has left a lasting impact on countless families. For Mykola Hryhoryan, a soldier from Lviv, the past three years have been a test of survival, sacrifice, and resilience. Wounded in battle and separated from his wife and children for long stretches, he continues to face uncertainty about the future. His story, like many others, reflects the deep scars left by the ongoing conflict.

Life Before the War Changed Everything

Before the war, Mykola enjoyed a quiet life with his wife, Olha, and their two children—Artur, an energetic eleven-year-old who loves cooking, and Kateryna, a book-loving fifteen-year-old fluent in English. They found comfort in their Soviet-era apartment on the outskirts of Lviv.

Instagram | xmhr007 | Mykola, Olha, and their children enjoyed a quiet life before the war.

However, everything changed on February 24, 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Fearing for their safety, Olha and the children moved to her mother’s house, nearly 125 miles east of Lviv. Meanwhile, Mykola joined the military, standing alongside thousands of Ukrainians to defend their homeland.

Their decision kept them safe, as a missile attack soon targeted a nearby military maintenance facility. Although Olha and the children returned home a few weeks later, the war had already reshaped their reality. Their apartment remained intact, but Mykola had gone to the front lines.

Mykola’s Journey in the Army

Over time, Mykola took on multiple roles in the army, each more dangerous than the last. Initially assigned as a communications officer, he later trained as a sniper, a mortarman, and a grenade-launcher operator. Eventually, he became a machine gunner, enduring relentless battles near the Russian border.

His absence weighed heavily on Olha and the children. While she managed a private school teaching English, Artur found comfort in cooking, even crafting his own baked potato recipe. Meanwhile, Kateryna immersed herself in books and digital artwork, filling her drawings with images of cats.

Life was anything but normal. Schools reopened in September 2022, but frequent power outages and air-raid sirens made it nearly impossible to focus. The family often spent nights in their hallway or crowded bomb shelters for safety. Despite the trauma, they found ways to adapt, though uncertainty remained a constant shadow.

Surviving the Battlefield

In the summer of 2023, Mykola suffered severe injuries near the Russian border. A grenade blast fractured his shoulder blade, and multiple bullets struck his body, breaking ribs and tearing through muscle. Despite the ordeal, he considered himself lucky.

After months of treatment, he returned home, but his future in the army remained uncertain. While undergoing medical evaluations, he hoped for a discharge, yet with Ukraine’s military forces stretched thin, Olha feared he might be sent back.

As he awaited the verdict, he focused on healing and spending time with his family. Small moments, like eating together and talking about everyday things, became his refuge from the brutal reality of war.

The Psychological Toll of War on Families

Instagram | xmhr007 | Determined to progress, Mykola prioritized healing, family, and mindful presence.

While Mykola battled on the front lines, Olha and the children faced a different kind of struggle. The emotional weight of uncertainty, sleepless nights, and distant explosions became their new normal.

Even after he returned home, the war’s grip remained strong. Kateryna, once indifferent to language, refused to speak Russian, saying, “After everything that’s happened, I can’t even stand hearing it.” Meanwhile, Olha continued to brace for the worst, refusing to believe peace was anywhere near.

International Politics and Its Effect on Ukraine

Global diplomacy influences the war’s outcome beyond the battlefield. Political decisions in Washington, Moscow, and Brussels shape Ukraine’s future, often making civilians feel powerless.

Recent statements by foreign leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, have increased uncertainty. Mykola stayed cautiously optimistic, while Olha expressed frustration, saying, “It’s all for show.” Many Ukrainians fear being used as pawns in geopolitical negotiations and question what they are truly fighting for.

A Night at the Military Cemetery

One evening, Mykola and his family attended a vigil at a military cemetery in Lviv. Hundreds gathered, holding red lanterns and listening to prayers for the fallen soldiers. The weight of loss was undeniable, as widows and children mourned their loved ones.

Among the graves, Mykola visited three of his close friends who had died in combat. One had been a history teacher, another an electrician, and the third worked in IT before the war. “They could have done so much more,” said a grieving widow.

As they left the cemetery, Kateryna held her mother’s hand, her silent expression revealing the deep impact of war on the next generation.

Finding Strength Amidst Uncertainty

Despite the devastation, Mykola remained determined to move forward. While he could not predict when the war would end, he knew that Ukraine’s fight was far from over.

His focus now was on healing, supporting his family, and appreciating every moment he had with them. For Olha, survival meant maintaining hope, even when the future felt uncertain.

Ukraine’s resilience, built on the sacrifices of thousands, continues to shape its fight for freedom. Families like the Hryhoryans serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of a nation unwilling to surrender.

Helen Hayward