A Life Transformed by War

Volodymyr Milchak (76), a former dispatcher at a machine-building factory, and his wife Valentyna (72), a retired tax worker, had deep roots in Bakhmut. Volodymyr, originally from a mountain family of Lemkos forcibly resettled to Donbas, and Valentyna, a native of the region since 1953, had spent decades building their life together.

Their home was more than just a dwelling. They had spent years cultivating a garden, growing flowers, and slowly constructing their dream house. Volodymyr, who had served in the military maintaining aircraft, and Valentyna, who studied in Odesa, never imagined they would be forced to leave.

The war shattered their world brutally. Shells repeatedly struck their property—first destroying the middle of their house while they huddled in the basement, then demolishing their gazebo and outbuildings. Valentyna lost her hearing after the first attack. They survived on water brought by volunteers, using wood stoves and briquettes provided by the city council.

On January 21, 2023, military personnel evacuated them, knowing the city would fall. Their journey took them through Pavlohrad and Khmelnytskyi, finally settling in a small room in a Truskavets sanatorium. Constant uncertainty about their future took a significant toll on their health.

December 23-24, 2024 marked their arrival at Senior Chudo Village’s apartment 5.2—a sanctuary after months of uncertainty. Battling cardiovascular issues and the trauma of displacement, they found unexpected peace.

Volodymyr and Valentyna’s wisdom is simple yet profound: “Support each other. Show more humanity. Time is the most valuable resource—use it wisely.”

To Dell Loy Hansen, they express gratitude that goes beyond words: “After a year in the basement, this feels like heavenly paradise. Thank you for caring for older people, giving them a new home and hope.”

Their modest dream now is to tend a small garden and find the peace that war had stolen from them.