Ukrainians are giving up hope

I am a 37-year-old Ukrainian woman, and have recently returned from Odesa, where I was born and grew up, and to which I’ve just had my ninth visit since the war began. I generally go back for two or three weeks each time, to see my parents who still live there. On these trips back home, I try to support my family, to do some nice things with them like going out to a restaurant or cafe, and to bring them, perhaps, a little joy.

But joy is something it’s getting harder and harder in Ukraine to feel. Whatever you’re doing, even if there’s laughter, there’s always something black and heavy at the back of your mind. On each visit, the people of my country have amazed me. They’re still trying to hold onto the life they once had. They go to the seaside and drink coffee there; they buy flowers for those they love; they put on make-up and often make themselves look attractive.