Love and life beyond the war
Published: Aug 28, 2025 Reading time: 3 minutes Share: Share an articleA hospital should embody peace and care. But in Ukraine, medical facilities are often targets of Russian attacks. Rockets and drones destroy buildings, while patients and staff are endangered by flying fragments, debris, and shattered glass. Despite the risks, doctors never stop their work, because they are saving lives.
Thanks to the support of a Czech donor, we made two more hospitals safer and more comfortable. This is especially important in Kharkiv, where medical assistance is needed every day as the city suffers constant attack.
The Kharkiv Regional Children’s Hospital provides highly-specialised care to children from birth to 18 years old. Despite constant attacks on the city, the hospital has never stopped its round-the-clock work. Children with mine and blast injuries, as well as other severe wounds, are brought here.
During missile strikes, the hospital suffered significant damage: windows were shattered, the roof was damaged, and wards with patients inside were hit. Some parts of the hospital have been repaired, but many needs remain. We have focused on improving the Departments of Anaesthesiology and Neonatal Intensive Care. Recently, a premature baby girl was brought here from Sloviansk. Doctors are now fighting for her life.
Half of the department has already been renovated: walls, ceilings, and floors have been renewed. Bathrooms, showers, and sanitary rooms have been improved. We also set up a modern surgical ward for newborns.
“In this department, we care for babies from 5 to 28 days old. Almost all of them are born prematurely. Many come from frontline communities. We wanted these children, their families, and the medical staff to have decent conditions,” says Maryna Shepel, our External Relations Coordinator.
In spring, Kharkiv Hospital No. 17 endured five attacks in a single day. The facility suffered severe damage, with the hospice building—an architectural monument—being hit the hardest. Fortunately, no patients were injured, as the staff managed to cover them with blankets to protect them from debris. Already the next day, our representative visited the hospital; just a month and a half later, new windows were shining in the building.
Currently, 84 patients with palliative conditions live in the hospice. Most are in the final stages of cancer. Whilst treatment is no longer possible they require constant care. Many patients have no relatives, and others, even if they have children, receive no support from them.
“But a hospice is not the end of life. Here people live, rejoice, and even fall in love. There were even moments when couples kissed under the stairs,” shares senior nurse Olena Krasnikova.
People even get married at the hospice. Serhii was injured at home back in 2022. His apartment was completely destroyed, he has been living in the hospice ever since. It was here that he met Lidiia. Serhii courted her tenderly: bringing flowers, preparing small surprises. Eventually, he asked for her hand in marriage.
Every evening, Serhii takes his beloved Lidiia outside, and together they enjoy long walks in the park near the hospital. In the years they have left, they wish to live in peace and love, caring for one another.
