In Bucha, Ukraine, a town deeply scarred by the war with Russia, families are struggling to raise children born into conflict. Liudmyla Rodchenko, a 42-year-old mother, recalls fleeing with her newborn son Yevhen, just three days old, as Russian forces overran her hometown nearly three years ago. Facing freezing conditions and a harrowing journey, she relied on hot water from soldiers to prepare formula for her baby.
Bucha later became infamous for alleged atrocities against civilians, which Russia denies. Despite returning home, Rodchenko says life remains fraught with challenges, including frequent air raid alerts that frighten her young son.
Nursery worker Nataliia Tatushenko notes that children born during the war, like two-year-old Yevhen, show heightened sensitivity and cling to their mothers for security. While they may adapt to stress as they grow, their formative years are being shaped by constant threats and instability.
Rodchenko dreams of a brighter, peaceful future for her children but fears the war may continue for years, especially as global support for Ukraine faces uncertainty.
