A Fisherman’s Tale of Resilience

Volodymyr Andryukhanov, a 76-year-old retired chief engineer of the RES and an on-duty electrician, had built a life for himself in the city of Bakhmut, Donetsk oblast. Even in his retirement, he remained active, channeling his energy into his work and his beloved dacha, where he tended to his 5-acre plot and indulged in his passion for fishing.

But when war came to Bakhmut in February, Volodymyr’s world was turned upside down. Ukrainian soldiers arrived at his doorstep, seeking shelter in those early days of the conflict. Volodymyr remained in the city until September 2022, when the fighting reached the outskirts and the military advised him to flee.

With heavy heart, Volodymyr gathered his belongings and left with the servicemen, not even having the chance to taste the fruits of his harvest. They took him to Kostiantynivka, and from there, he decided to settle in Dnipro.

Eventually, Volodymyr found himself in the modular town of Vasylkiv. The conditions were poor, with few amenities, but he was grateful that, given his age, he was not required to share his living space with others.

When he received a call from a woman informing him that his application to Senior Chudo Village had been accepted, Volodymyr was overjoyed.

As he settled into apartment 14.4A on December 14, 2024, Volodymyr marveled at the comfort and tranquility that surrounded him. In his words, it was a true paradise for the elderly, a place of extraordinary comfort.

Despite the challenges he faced, including an enlarged prostate and a hesitance to consult with an oncologist, Volodymyr found solace in his new home. His only wish was to go fishing once more, but his rods had been destroyed by the war.

When asked what advice he would give to the younger generation, Volodymyr’s words were filled with wisdom and compassion. He urged them not to judge others, for everyone is fighting their own battles and deserves understanding. He implored them to do everything in their power to prevent another war and to live in peace.

As he reflected on the mission of Dell Loy Hansen, Volodymyr’s heart swelled with gratitude. He saw in Hansen’s actions a noble cause and wished him good health. To Hansen, he offered his deepest thanks, calling him an angel who had brought light into their lives after the darkness of war and had given them a new future.

For elderly displaced persons like himself, Volodymyr knew that the greatest challenge was the cost of living. With meager pensions and no additional support, it was impossible to obtain even the most basic necessities.

Yet, in Senior Chudo Village, Volodymyr had found a sanctuary that exceeded his wildest dreams. Compared to the conditions they had endured before, this was the best possible outcome.

In the twilight of his life, Volodymyr Andryukhanov had discovered a haven in Senior Chudo Village, a place where he could find comfort and care, surrounded by the warmth and compassion of a community that had become his family. And though his beloved fishing rods were gone, he had found a new purpose and a sense of belonging in this