Halyna Vasyukhina: A Journey of Survival and Resilience
Name: Halyna Vasyukhina
Age: 70
Hometown: Bakhmut, Donetsk Region, Ukraine

The war stripped away everything Halyna had known, leaving her with nothing but survival and hope. When the conflict first erupted, her world shrank to the confines of a dark, damp basement — her sanctuary for three unbearable months in Bakhmut, a city transformed by war into a landscape of destruction and despair.

Survival became her daily mission. The basement was more than just a shelter; it was a testament to her resilience, a small space where she held onto hope when the world around her crumbled. When the situation became unbearable, evacuation was her only choice. Dnipro became her first stop, a temporary reprieve from the immediate danger.

Her journey continued. Seeking safety, she moved to the Rivne region, finding temporary shelter with acquaintances. But the war had other plans. Soon, she found herself in a modular town in Vasylkiv, Kyiv region — another step in her unpredictable journey. Each move was a chapter of survival, each location a temporary pause in her uncertain life.

Then came the Miracle Village — a turning point she could never have imagined.

On October 20, 2023, Halyna arrived at a place that would become more than just a home. Her previous life in Bakhmut was gone — her house destroyed and occupied, her memories reduced to rubble. Yet, here in the Miracle Village, she found something unexpected: healing.

The psychological toll of war had been devastating. The constant fear, the loss, the uncertainty — they had wounded her in ways no physical injury could. But the village offered more than just physical shelter. Professional psychologists helped her navigate her trauma, providing the emotional support she desperately needed.

At 70, Halyna discovered a new purpose. She began working in the village’s cafeteria, finding dignity in work. But her contributions didn’t stop there. As a volunteer in the “Help the Armed Forces of Ukraine” group, she transformed her pain into action, supporting those still fighting for her country’s freedom.

The Miracle Village became a community of healing and hope. Humanitarian aid, support from fellow displaced Ukrainians, and the opportunity to contribute gave her a renewed sense of purpose. Her interactions with fellow residents from her home region provided a sense of connection and continuity.

Halyna’s story is more than a tale of displacement. It’s a powerful narrative of human resilience, of finding strength in the most challenging circumstances. From a basement in a war-torn city to a supportive community in the Miracle Village, she exemplifies the unbreakable spirit of those who refuse to be defined by their losses.

A testament to survival, healing, and the power of community in times of crisis.