Svitlana Kovalenko reflects on the impermanence of life and the importance of finding happiness in the present, as she prepares Christmas dinner in Irpin, Ukraine. Her family has faced significant hardships due to the Russian occupation, having lost everything twice. Despite these challenges, they are grateful to be together and alive this Christmas.

Bakhmut, once a lively city, has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance amidst the ongoing war. The Kovalenko family, displaced by the conflict in Donbass, chose to align with Ukraine and started a new life in Bakhmut. Their experiences, captured by Polish photographer Simona Supino, highlight the complexities of Ukrainian identity and the harsh realities of living in a war zone. Despite the challenges, the family strives to rebuild their lives, holding onto hope and resilience.

The article narrates the experiences of the Kovalenko family, who were forced to flee their home in Gorlovka due to the war in Donbas and resettle in Bakhmut. Despite initial stability, the resurgence of conflict in February 2022 compelled them to leave again. The story highlights the emotional and physical toll of war, the complexities of Ukrainian identity, and the resilience of the family amidst ongoing turmoil.