Main aims

Commemoration with dignity: honor the memory of those who sacrificed for Ukraine, including civilians, military personnel, and foreign nationals, through respectful, accurate, and ceremony-like storytelling.

Cross-cultural remembrance: create a collaborative memory book that reflects diverse perspectives (Ukrainian, refugee, diaspora, local supporters, international allies) while honoring shared values of peace and resilience.

Education for empathy and peacebuilding: foster understanding of the human costs of conflict and explore pathways to peaceful coexistence, reconciliation, and humanitarian support.

Responsible storytelling and memory literacy: teach students to distinguish memory, interpretation, and fact, and to present testimonies with consent, sensitivity, and context.

Inclusive remembrance practices: ensure voices from affected communities (including displaced persons and marginalized groups) are heard and represented with equity.

Digital collaboration and memory curation: develop students’ collaboration, collaboration skills across borders, and digital literacy to curate a living, accessible memory resource.

Ethical memorialization framework: embed safeguarding, consent, privacy, and legal compliance in all activities, with clear guidelines on content use and dissemination.

Supportive wellbeing approach: recognize potential trauma associated with conflict remembrance and provide age-appropriate, opt-in activities, with access to psychological and pastoral support as needed.

Public remembrance with accountability: publish a memory book or digital collection that is accurate, clearly labeled (testimony vs. interpretation), properly attributed, and accessible to schools, families, and communities.

Preview audio:

storyj.mp/a38f76ura6n

WHAT IS WAR?

War is a state of organized, large-scale conflict between groups, typically nations or states, that involves formal combat, use of military forces, and often aims to achieve political, territorial, or ideological objectives. It is characterized by sustained violence, strategic planning, and breakdowns in ordinary law and order.

Key aspects:

Participants: usually states or organized factions; civilians and noncombatants are affected.

Means: military forces, weapons, logistics, diplomacy, and sometimes economic or information warfare.

Objectives: can include territory, governance, resources, security guarantees, or ideological goals.

Law and norms: governed (to some extent) by international law and conventions (e.g., jus ad bellum, jus in bello), though violations are common.

Consequences: loss of life, displacement, infrastructure destruction, economic disruption, long-lasting social and political impacts.

Types of war:

Conventional war: regular armies in open battle.

Guerrilla warfare: irregular forces using hit-and-run tactics.

Total war: mobilizes all of a society’s resources and targets enemy’s political, economic, and social structures.

Civil war: conflict within a single country between different groups.

Asymmetric war: one side significantly weaker militarily, using unconventional tactics.

TYPES OF WAR

Conventional war

Conventional war is a type of interstate or intrastate conflict fought mainly with traditional military forces and weapons, rather than with unconventional methods or non-state actors. Here are some key features:

Armies and standard weapons: Conflicts are carried out with regular military units (soldiers, tanks, aircraft, ships) and conventional weapons like rifles, artillery, and bombs.

Clear battle lines: Fighting typically takes place on recognizable fronts or theaters of operations, with aims such as defeating the enemy’s armed forces or capturing territory.

State actors: Conventional wars are usually between recognized states or formal military coalitions, though non-state actors can participate if they have conventional armed forces.

Rules of war (to some extent): While all warfare has humanitarian constraints, conventional war generally follows established international law and norms, such as the laws of armed conflict, including distinctions between military targets and civilians.

Guerrilla warfare

Guerrilla warfare is a form of irregular warfare in which small, mobile armed groups use ambushes, hit-and-run tactics, and other asymmetrical methods to fight a larger, conventional enemy. It often focuses on wearing down the opponent and winning support from local populations rather than achieving a decisive battlefield victory. Key characteristics:

Small, mobile units: Guerrilla fighters typically operate in small bands, blending with civilians and avoiding open, conventional battles.

Hit-and-run tactics: They rely on swift, surprise attacks, sabotage, ambushes, and raids rather than sustained front-line engagements.

Mobility and terrain: Guerrilla forces exploit local terrain (jungle, mountains, urban environments) to evade larger forces and sustain operations.

Political objectives: Guerrilla campaigns usually aim to weaken the opponent's political will or legitimacy, win popular support, and pressure governments or occupying powers.

Support networks: Safe havens, supply lines, and civilian support are crucial; the movement often relies on sympathetic communities for shelter, information, and resources.

Prolonged conflict: Guerrilla wars tend to be protracted, gradually eroding the enemy’s capabilities and legitimacy over time.

Total war

Total war is a form of warfare in which a belligerent mobilizes all available resources and population support to achieve complete victory, often blurring the line between military and civilian spheres.

Key features:

Comprehensive mobilization: Governments direct not only the armed forces but also economies, industry, and infrastructure toward the war effort. This can include rationing, conscription, and production of war materiel.

Civilian involvement and impact: Civilians play a central role in supporting the war effort, and civilian life is heavily affected by shortages, censorship, propaganda, and home-front activities.

Broad objectives: The aims extend beyond defeating enemy armed forces to the destruction or subjugation of the opponent’s political, economic, and social structures.

Expanded targeting: Strategic considerations may include targeting critical civilian infrastructure, economic production, and morale, not just military targets.

Legal and ethical tensions: Total war often tests the boundaries of international law and humanitarian norms due to the extensive civilian involvement and potential for collateral damage.

Civil war

Civil war is a high-intensity internal conflict within a country between organized opposing groups, typically vying for political power, control of the state, or significant policy changes. It involves sustained armed conflict between these groups and the government or between rival state-like factions, and it often lasts for years or longer.

Key features:

Internal scope: The fighting occurs within a single country’s borders and involves actors pursuing control of the state or changing its political system.

Organized armed groups: The combatants are typically structured insurgent, rebel, or paramilitary forces, sometimes including factions of the regular military.

Prolonged conflict: Civil wars are characterized by extended periods of fighting, rather than short clashes.

Political objectives: Goals usually center on changes to government, constitution, leadership, territory, or governance methods.

Impact on civilians: Civil wars often cause substantial civilian harm, displacement, and humanitarian crises, due to urban warfare, sieges, and disruption of services.

Asymmetric war

Asymmetric warfare is a type of conflict in which the opposing sides have markedly different military capabilities, strategies, or resources. Because of these disparities, the weaker side adopts unconventional or non-traditional methods to level the playing field, while the stronger side must adapt to non-traditional threats.

Key characteristics:

Power asymmetry: One side has clear advantages in conventional military power (firepower, money, equipment), while the other relies on ingenuity, mobility, and irregular tactics.

Irregular tactics: The weaker side often uses guerrilla warfare, insurgency, hit-and-run attacks, terrorism, sabotage, and cyber or information operations.

Strategic objectives: Rather than seeking battlefield victories, asymmetric warfare often aims to wear down the opponent’s political will, disrupt governance, erode legitimacy, and gain legitimacy or support from local populations or external actors.

Cost and risk asymmetry: The stronger side bears higher costs for traditional engagements, while the weaker side accepts higher political and civilian risks to achieve strategic gains.

Adaptation by the strong side: Conventional militaries must adjust with enhanced intelligence, counterinsurgency, population-centric security, special operations, and sometimes joint or mixed approaches (military, political, economic, and diplomatic tools).

THE MAIN DRIVERS THAT HISTORICALLY LEAD TO WAR

Security concerns

Insecurity and fear of encirclement: States may strike first or build up arms to deter rivals, sometimes triggering an arms race.

Alliance commitments and security guarantees: The fear of being left exposed or the obligation to defend allies can escalate crises into war.

Deterrence failures and misperception: Misreading an adversary’s intentions or capabilities can lead to preemptive or protective actions that escalate.

Territorial and resource disputes

Strategic position: Control of borders, gateways, or chokepoints (sea lanes, rivers, mountain passes).

National identity and legimacy: Territorial claims tied to history, culture, or political legimacy.

Boundary pretentions: A wish to get someone's territory in case to widen personal borders

Ambitious about neighbouring territories : Movements seeking to join or rejoin a territory with a different state.

Resource scarcity: Competition over water (rivers, lakes), oil, minerals, or arable land.

Economic leverage: Resources translate into economic and political power, attracting rivals.

Transboundary resources: Rivers and aquifers cross borders, complicating governance and sharing.

Environmental and demographic pressures: Climate change, population growth, and overuse intensify competition.

Power and prestige

Regime competition and power rivalries: Fear of losing authority, legitimacy, or access to resources can push leaders to use force.

Territorial or political ambition: Desire to control territory, influence neighboring states, or prevent shifts in the regional balance of power.

Nationalism and identity politics: Ethnic, religious, or linguistic divisions can be mobilized to justify conflict or pursue secession.

Weak institutions and governance failures: Fragile states with weak central authority are more prone to internal conflict or external aggression

Ideology and religion

Ideology and perceived moral obligation: Claims of exporting democracy, preventing genocide, or restoring a perceived order can motivate intervention.

Rule-based or revisionist goals: Some wars aim to alter the international system’s rules, norms, or status quo.

Moral clarity and sacred duty: Leaders may frame actions as fulfilling a divine mandate or defending sacred values, which can legitimize risk-taking and mobilize supporters.

Eschatology and destiny: Belief in a divinely ordained outcome can make long wars seem purposeful and inevitable.

Sacred trust and legitimacy: Religious authority can confer legitimacy on leaders or movements, strengthening internal cohesion and external perception of legitimacy.

Economic factors

Access to resources: Competition for oil, minerals, water, arable land, or critical trade routes can spark or sustain conflict.

Economic inequality and rivalries: Disparities between states or groups can fuel grievances and mobilize mobilization for war.

Economic shocks and resource scarcity: Sudden downturns or shortages can destabilize regimes and provoke conflict as a means to secure needed resources.

Misperception and miscalculation

Threat assessment errors: Overestimating or underestimating an opponent’s military strength, readiness, or willingness to use force.

Intentions misread: Mistaking peaceful signals for aggression (or vice versa), or assuming a rival seeks conflict when they aim to avoid it.

Resolve misjudgments: Underestimating the political will of the opponent or misreading domestic pressures that constrain or compel action.

Strategic choices: Believing a limited action will achieve objectives, when it actually triggers broader escalation.

Economic and political costs: Underestimating the domestic or international costs of war, or overestimating sanctions’ effectiveness.

Timing and sequencing: Misjudging when to mobilize, deploy, or strike, causing a domino effect of responses.

Alliance commitments and entanglements

Credible deterrence: Alliances extend security guarantees, making potential aggressors think twice.

Burden-sharing: Partners share military, economic, or political costs of security commitments.

Signal of resolve: A strong network signals unity and resolve, increasing perceived costs for adversaries.

Collective identity and norms: Shared values and institutional ties reinforce collaboration during crises.

Security guarantees: Bind allies to intervene if one member is attacked, raising the stakes of crises.

Escalation ladders: A localized dispute can escalate as allies become involved, widening the conflict’s geographic and political scope.

Dividing lines and expectations: Ambiguity about when exactly to intervene can lead to inadvertent escalation or paralysis.

Domestic political incentives: Leaders face pressure from alliance partners, domestic groups, and public opinion, shaping risky decision-making.

Domestic politics and leadership incentives

Public opinion and electoral incentives: Leaders seek to maintain popularity, win reelection, or avert domestic backlash. War can rally support in times of crisis or distract from problems; alternatively, it can erode legitimacy if costs mount.

Elite competition and factionalism: Internal rivalries among political, military, or business elites can push a leader toward conflict to outmaneuver opponents or mobilize resources.

Crisis amplification and diversion: External threats can be used to divert attention from domestic failures or to consolidate power behind the leadership.

Policy legitimacy and social contract: War can be used to redefine the social contract, forge national unity, or justify changes in governance.

Crisis instability and miscommunication

Ambiguity in signals: Military movements, military posturing, or diplomatic statements can be interpreted as preparations for war or as defensive precautions.

Lack of reliable information: Uncertain or secret intelligence makes it hard to judge an opponent’s resolve or capabilities.

Time pressure: Crises compress decision time, increasing the chance of snap judgments and miscalculations.

Deterrence breakdown: If deterrence appears to fail or be reversible, both sides may accelerate toward use of force to avoid appearing weak.

Signals and counter-signals: Rhetoric, troop deployments, naval movements, or cyber actions can be read differently by each side.

Ambiguous red lines: Vague or unspecific thresholds for action create room for dispute over when intervention is warranted.

Domestic signaling: Political pressures, elections, or public commitments can constrain or inflate a leader’s willingness to back down.

Third-party inputs: Statements from allies, partners, or international organizations can complicate interpretations.

Historical grievances and unresolved disputes

Injustice or harm from the past: Occupations, genocides, forced migrations, treaties perceived as unjust, or unresolved war booty.

Territorial and boundary memory: Old border wars, lost territories, enclaves, or contested borders that remain emotionally salient.

Treated as sacred or symbolic memories: National myths, martyrdom narratives, and commemorations that reinforce legitimacy for political actors.

Victimhood narratives and moral claims: Perceptions of historical wrongs used to justify current demands or actions.

Identity and mobilization: Grievances crystallize group identity, increasing willingness to endure costs for the cause.

Revisionist aims: States or movements use historical claims to justify revising current borders, regimes, or status quo.

Coercive bargaining: Historical claims become leverage in negotiations, sometimes leading to stalemates or conflicts.

Risk of misperception: Rival states may interpret reconciliation efforts as weakness or as concede-by-erasure of memory, fueling resentment.

THE WAR IN UKRAINE

TIMELINE

2014

February

Maidan protests intensify; President Viktor Yanukovych flees Ukraine.

February 22: Yanukovych ousted; the Ukrainian parliament sets new leadership.

March

March 16: Crimea referendum and annexation by the Russian Federation (disputed by Ukraine and most of the international community).

March 18: Russia formally annexes Crimea.

April

April–May: Pro-Russian separatists seize government buildings in Donetsk, Luhansk, and other eastern cities.

April 7: Ukraine declares the situation in Donbas an anti-terrorist operation.

May

May 11: Referendums and declarations of “People’s Republics” in Donetsk and Luhansk (not internationally recognized).

May 25: Ukraine holds presidential election; Petro Poroshenko is elected president.

July

July 17: Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 shot down over eastern Ukraine; 298 people killed. International investigations implicate a Buk missile unit from Russia; Russia denies direct involvement.

August–September

August: Heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine; negotiations for ceasefires begin.

September: ICRC and NGOs intensify humanitarian relief; displacement increases.

September–October

September 5: Minsk Protocols negotiations begin (Minsk I) to halt fighting; fighting continues intermittently.

December

December: Foreshadowing of Minsk II agreements; humanitarian concerns persist; continued fighting around Debaltseve.

2015

February

February 12–15: Minsk II agreement signed by Ukraine, Russia, the separatists, and OSCE mediators to halt fighting and withdraw heavy weapons.

2015–2016

Ongoing ceasefire violations, with periodic escalations and de-escalations.

Heavy fighting around Debaltseve and other flashpoints in eastern Ukraine.

2015–2016 humanitarian impact

Large numbers of people displaced; infrastructure damage in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

2016–2019 (continuing conflict and stabilization attempts)

2016–2019: Violations of ceasefires persist; international diplomacy (Minsk process, Normandy format) continues with limited success.

2019: Zelenskiy elected president; ongoing war in Donbas with entrenched frontlines.

2020–2021

2020: Ongoing conflict; prisoner exchanges and negotiations under Normandy format and the Minsk framework.

2021: Increased conflict intensity near the contact line; Russia amasses troops near the border in spring 2021 (heightened tensions).

2022

February 24: Full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine begins, with attacks across multiple fronts and bombardments of major cities.

March–April: Ukrainian resistance, international sanctions on Russia, and widespread humanitarian displacement.

Spring–Summer: Siege of Mariupol and severe destruction; evacuation corridors established; international support to Ukraine expands (military, humanitarian, political).

Summer: Russian forces partially retreat from some areas; continued fighting in eastern and southern Ukraine.

Late 2022: Ukrainian counteroffensives, especially in Kherson region, leading to territorial changes and shifting frontlines.

2022–2023: Global responses intensify: sanctions, aid packages to Ukraine, energy and security realignments, continued diplomatic efforts.

2023

Ongoing armed conflict in multiple regions; continued international support to Ukraine; humanitarian and civilian impact remains severe.

Winter 2023–2024: Ongoing fighting, shelling, and casualties; efforts toward diplomacy persist despite ruptures.

2025

Ongoing conflict: Large-scale fighting largely concentrated in the eastern and southern fronts, with periodic offensives and counteroffensives. Frontlines have fluctuated since 2022–2023, with control of various towns and corridors shifting over time.

International support: Ukraine continued to receive significant military, economic, and political backing from a broad coalition, including Western governments, humanitarian organizations, and allies in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Russia faced sustained sanctions and geopolitical pressure from Western and allied countries.

Diplomacy and negotiations: Diplomatic track remained active but fragile. ceasefire proposals and peace talks occurred intermittently, often tied to battlefield developments, prisoners exchanges, and security assurances. Normandy/Quad-style formats and bilateral channels persisted in some form.

Humanitarian situation: Civilians in conflict zones faced displacement, damage to infrastructure, and access challenges to essential services. International aid focused on shelter, food, medical care, and energy resilience. Mental health and psychosocial support remained critical.

Glossary with key terms in multiple languages

Recorded vocabulary link

https://voicethread.com/myvoice/thread/32937806

ABC's of

PEACE AND WAR

A is for ALIVE - ATTROCITY

Alive - having life : not dead or inanimate

ATROCITY - an extremely wicked or cruel act, typically one involving physical violence or injury. Team 1-Team 4

B is for BEAUTY - BOMBER

BEAUTY - a combination of qualities, such as shape, colour, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight.

BOMBER - an aircraft designed to carry and drop bombs. Team 1-Team 4

C is for COMPASSION-CRUELTY

COMPASSION- sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it.

CRUELTY-behaviour which causes physical or mental harm to another

Team 1-Team 4

D is for DOLL - DANGER

DOLL - a small model of a human figure, typically one of a baby or girl, used as a child's toy.

DANGER - the possibility of suffering harm or injury.

Team 1-Team 4

E is for EQUALITY - ENEMY

EQUALITY - refers to the right of every individual to equal treatment and opportunities

ENEMY- a hostile nation or its armed forces, especially in time of war.

Team 1-Team 4

F is for FREEDOM - FORTIFICATION

FREEDOM -the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.

FORTIFICATION - a defensive wall or other reinforcement built to strengthen a place against attack.

Team 1-Team 4

G is for GOODWILL and GUN

GOODWILL: friendly and helpful feelings

GUN: a weapon that bullets or shells are fired from

Team 1-Team 4

H is for HAPPY - HOLOCAOUST

HAPPY - feeling, showing, or causing pleasure or

satisfaction

HOLOCAUST - a very large amount of

destruction, especially by fire or heat, or the killing of very large numbers of people

Team 2- Team 1

I is for INNOCENT - INJURIES

INNOCENT - not guilty of a crime or offence.

INJURIES - physical harm or damage to someone's body caused by an accident or an attack

Team 2- Team 1

J is for JOY - JETTISONED MINES

JOY - a feeling of great pleasure and happiness

JETTISONED MINES - Mines which are laid as quickly as possible in order to empty the minelayer of mines, without regard to their condition or relative positions.

Team 2- Team 1

K is for KIDS - KILL

Kids - a child or young person.

Kill - cause the death of (a person, animal, or other living thing). Team 2- Team 1

L is for LOVE - LAUNCHER

LOVE - is an emotion that keeps people bonded and committed to one another.

LAUNCHER - a device for launching a missile.

Team 2- Team 1

M is for MERCIFULNESS-MALIGNITY

MERCIFULNESS-a disposition to be kind and forgiving.

MALIGNITY-persistent, intense ill will or desire to harm others

Team 2- Team 1

N is for NEWBORN - NUCLEAR BOMB

NEWBORN - a recently born child

NUCLEAR BOMB - is an explosive device that derives its destructive force from nuclear reactions, either fission (fission bomb) or a combination of fission and fusion reactions

Team 2- Team 1

O is for OPEN-MINDED - OCCUPIERS

OPEN-MINDED-willing to consider new ideas; unprejudiced.

OCCUPIERS - a member of a group that takes possession of a country by force.

Team 3- Team2

P is for PEACE - PHOTOFLASH BOMB

PEACE - a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended.

PHOTOFLASH BOMB - is explosive ordnance dropped by aircraft, usually military surveillance aircraft, designed to detonate above ground to create an extremely bright flash of light.

Team 3- Team2

Q is for QUIET - QUELL

QUIET - Calm, peaceful; without being interrupted

QUELL - to stop something such as violent behaviour or protests

Team 3- Team2

R is for RECOVERY - REFUGEE

RECOVERY - the act or process of getting better;

improvement

REFUGEE -a person who has escaped from their own country for political, religious or economic reasons or because of a war

Team 3- Team2

S is for SMILE - SLAUGHTER

Smile a pleased, kind, or amused facial expression

SLAUGHTER is the brutal, large-scale killing of people

Team 3- Team2

T is for TOLERANCE - TANK

TOLERANCE -the ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with.

TANK - a heavy armoured fighting vehicle carrying guns and moving on a continuous articulated metal track.

Team 3- Team2

U is for UNITED-UNFRIENDLY

UNITED - joined together politically, for a common purpose, or by common feelings.

UNFRIENDLY - The crowd was unfriendly and dangerous.

Team4-Team3

V is for VICTORY-VIOLENCE

VICTORY-triumph mean a success in a competition or struggle.

VIOLENCE-Violence is the use of physical force so as to injure, abuse, damage, or destroy.Team4-Team3

W is for WELFARE - WAR

WELFARE - the general health, happiness and safety of a person, an animal or a group

WAR - a situation in which two or more countries or groups of people fight against each other over a period of time

Team4-Team3

X is for X-mas - XENOFOBIA

X-MAS - abbreviation for Christmas

XENOFOBIA -extreme dislike or fear of foreigners, their

customs, their religions, etc.

Team4-Team3

Y is for YIELD - YEARN

YIELD - to supply or produce something positive

such as a profit, an amount of food or information

YEARN - to desire something strongly, esp. something difficult or impossible to obtain

Team4-Team3

Z is for ZOO - ZONE OF FIRE

ZOO - an establishment which maintains a collection of wild animals, typically in a park or gardens, for study, conservation, or display to the public.

ZONE OF FIRE - IT'S WHAT IS UKRAINE NOW

Team4-Team3

VOICES AND STORIES

Personal narratives

Letters and messages

Quotations

Photo captions

TEAM 1

PERSONAL NARRATIVES

Mentor: Sandrine

Mathis ( France )

Basil ( France)

Tobias ( France)

Keti (Georgia)

Silvio +Yazid ( France)

Ivan Liutikov (Ukraine)

Nick (Ukraine)

Stacey Avetisian (Ukraine)

Kseniia (Ukraine)

Volodymyr (Ukraine)

Artem (Ukraine)

Personal narratives

Writing a personal narrative about how you feel regarding the war in Ukraine can be powerful, but the key is to make it about your lived perspective—what you noticed in yourself as you learned, watched, reacted, and tried to live alongside it.

My life during the war in Ukraine. What should be improved to stop the wars on the earth.

Misha, Lyceum 130

Anna, Lyceum 130 Andrew, Lyceum130

Viktoria, Lyceum 130 Illia, Lyceum 130

Arsen, Lyceum 130

Karina, Lyceum 130 Nick, Lyceum 130

Eva, Lyceum 130 Lera, Lyceum 130

Maria, Lyceum 130 Stacey, Lyceum130

Artem Sofroniuk, Avanhard lyceum

Volodymyr Deren, Avanhard Lyceum

Ksenia Romanko, Avanhard Lyceum

Georgia,Kutaisi

LTD School N1

Kate

TEAM 2 LETTERS AND MESSAGES

Mentor: Salome

Barbare (Georgia)

Marta, Mariam, Barbare (Georgia)

Alina (Ukraine)

Ilya (Ukraine)

Katerina ( Ukraine)

Anna P.(Ukraine)

Nastia(Ukraine)

Anna K(Ukraine)

Arina (Ukraine)

Mykola (Ukraine)

Mykyta (Ukraine)

Kseniia (Ukraine)

Oleksandr (Ukraine)

Letters of support to the People of Ukraine

the source - Ukrainian Ambessy in London

Terence Murtagh, Fleetwood, Lancashire:“Dear Mr Ambassador,Just to say that your country and people are in my thoughts at thisdifficult time for you. Be brave and strong , you are not alone.Pray for the Ukraine.”

Dr Brian Eyden, Manchester:

"Dear Ambassador,

I am an ordinary British citizen, but one with professional contacts in the former eastern European bloc. Like many people, l am also very concerned at current developments in your country. I simply want to express my moral support for your country and the Ukrainian people in their struggle to maintain Ukraine's territorial integrity in the face of a larger and more powerful neighbour.

I feel sure there are many people in Britain who have the same sentiments of support for Ukraine as expressed here even though they may not be writing to you."

Gregory Barry, an Australian Citizen, living in Britain, in awe of your resolve and bravery:

"I am writing simply to commend you and your citizens on the resolve and integrity that you have shown throughout this troubling period in your country.

My knowledge of the events comes solely from the media however what astounds me is the restraint and respect for you country that your citizens have shown.

The restraint that your citizens have shown in the face of adversity and aggression sets an fine example for every nation in the world.

Aggression is always fought with aggression in this world and your citizens must be commended on their bravery and resolve. Not one person has responded with aggression to your occupiers and you as a nation in the period of change have charged your duties with dignity."

Paul P Burns, Preston Lancs:

"Dear Mr.Ambassador,

God Bless the Ukraine…

I have only seen two heroes in my life time…

The First Hero was the man who in spite of the presence of all those Washington DC Firefighters jumped into the frozen Potomac to rescue the flight attendant from the downed aircraft…greater love hath no man…

The Second Hero was unarmed Colonel Yuli Mamchor who marched forward with his courageous motely squad, on all our peaceful behalf as we cheered him on to face down the might of the Red Army. He knew and we knew he could at that moment die.

Such a Patriot and so devoted to his Ukraine; his Flag ;and his Duty.

What followed on the ground did not matter. He maintained control and far away from the true heroes on both sides at that moment of real history a thug called Putin blinked.From that defining moment it was all over….…greater love hath no man…

The Ukraine and we owe the Colonel so much but the least we and you can do is to give him a new uniform and replace his badly worn shirt. He deserves so much more.

Peace be with Ukraine from an Irishman who understands oppression and war. I raise my hand in salute".

Peter Emerson, Belfast:

"Dear Ambassador Khandogiy and Ambassador Reva,

May I start by quoting Sarajevo's now legendary newspaper, Oslobodjenje: "all the wars in the former Yugoslavia started with a referendum," (7.2.1999).

The simplistic yes-or-no referendum is a tool of division, of provocation. It is a blunt instrument which either creates divisions in society, that or exacerbates those which already exist. In the border poll of 1972 in Northern Ireland, the Catholics organised a boycott, the Protestants won by a Stalinist 97%, the violence of the troubles continued. In Croatia in 1991, the Orthodox abstained; while in the Krajina, the Catholics stayed at home; the result was war. One year later, in Bosnia, the Orthodox abstained again, and on the day of the vote, the barricades went hop in Sarajevo. A similar picture is painted in the Caucasus: the majority votes in favour, because they know they are going to win; the minority abstains, or boycotts, or resorts to (more) violence.

For reasons unstated, the British and Irish media do not criticise majority voting. The call for a referendum in Crimea, however, should be regarded as an act of provocation, of animosity. It will lead - indeed, it has already led - to other calls for such votes on secession, in Donetsk and Kharkiv. Matryoshka nationalism, to give it its Russian name. May I strongly recommend a more inclusive voting procedure: a multi-option preference vote, such as the Modified Borda Count? At least, with a multi-option ballot, compromise options might also be listed on the ballot paper.

May I also suggest that any electoral system should also be of the non-adversarial variety. Looking back, it can be said that the winner-takes-all-loser-gets-nothing nature of the Timoshenko-v-Yanukovich and, before that, the Yushchenko-v-Yanukovich presidential elections, were actually part of the problem, turning that which was a small divide into a much bigger one. At the very least, as originally in the United States, the system could have allowed the winner to be president, and the runner-up the vice. At most...

I hope I am not too late to help."

Letters from children: Echoes of Innocence Amidst the Shadow of War

As we listen to children’s voices, we are reminded what is at stake: the future of a generation whose childhood has been rewritten by war, yet whose spirit refuses to be broken.

Anna, Odesa, Ukraine, 15 years old

"My name is Anna and I study at the Lyceum 130. The last four years have completely flipped my life upside down. All my childhood dreams and plans were ruined. There's so much I could say, so many horrors of war I could tell. But the one thing I truly want is for other children, in other countries, to never, ever experience war. My dad is in the army now defending me and all the Ukrainians and my best wish is to live in a free and independent Ukraine."

Arina, Odesa, Ukraine, 15 years old

"These last four years were super hard for me and my family. Before the war, I really wanted to go to school, meet my classmates, and make new friends. Also, I wanted to go to a water park and go to the sea every summer because I love the sea so much. But the war stopped all of that. I would like to come back to my normal life which I had before the war and build my future in an independent country."

Gleb from Kherson, moved to live to Odesa when the war started, 16 years old

"My life has changed a lot in the last four years. I learned pretty early what fear and not knowing what tomorrow will bring feel like. I used to dream about living at home, going to my school, and seeing my friends, but the war got in the way of all that. The hardest part was leaving my hometown and not knowing if I'd ever go back there. Even with all of this, I haven't stopped dreaming. I really want the war to end so all kids can live without sirens and fear".

Illia from Luhansk, moved to live to Odesa in 2022

17 years old

"For almost four years now, my country's been caught in this horrible, full-scale war. My home city is occupied, and I had to leave my home and move to a safer region, but it's dangerous everywhere in Ukraine. Every day, sirens wail. Peaceful people hide in shelters, you hear terrible sounds of explosions, and there's no electricity in homes for hours"

Artem moved to Odesa from Kharkiv in 2023, 16 years old

"My life has changed a lot in the last four years. I used to live in Kharkiv, but because of the war, we moved to Odesa. I left my home and my friends. Now in Odesa, I go to school because in Kharkiv, schools only work online. I love playing games outside, and I go to football. Before, I dreamed of traveling to different countries, but now I only dream of peace. I want to go home to see my dad, so that it's quiet and rockets and drones aren't flying"

Writing the letters and cards to Ukrainian soldiers who are on the front line (Easter holiday)

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The feedback from our defenders

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Alina, Avanhard Lyceum

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Anna Prohoda, Avanhard lyceum

Dear Soldier,

How are you? I hope you are alright. I want to thank you for your protection and bravery. I understand that being far from home can be very difficult, and you may feel lonely or tired sometimes. You face many challenges every day, both physically and emotionally, and that takes great strength.

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Please remember that people care about you and are truly grateful for what you do. Even in the hardest moments, I hope you can find a little bit of hope and warmth. I hope you stay strong and keep believing in better days. Peace is very important because it gives people safety, happiness, and a future without fear. I wish you strength, hope, and a safe return home.

Sincerely,

Anna

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Anastasiia Zhukovska, Avanhard Lyceum

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Ksenia Zhukovska, Avanhard Lyceum

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Illia Storozh, Avanhard Lyceum

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Mykola Henchevskyi, Avanhard Lyceum

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Mykyta Kodymskyi, Avanhard Lyceum

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Oleksandr Safonov, Avanhard Lyceum

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Avanhard Lyceum

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Georgia,Kutaisi

LTD School N1

Barbi Nikoladze

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Georgia,Kutaisi

LTD School N1

Mariam Khachapuridze

Marta Kekua

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TEAM3 QUOTATIONS

Mentor: Maryna

-Kilian (France)

- Dinis (France)

- Iliann (France)

-Ricardo (France)

-Demetre (Georgia)

-Dasha (Ukraine)

- Ivan Luba (Ukraine)

- Pavlo Dorosh (Ukraine)

- Vlad Filipov (Ukraine)

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Our interviews

for quotations

Odesa Lyceum 130

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«Війна — це відчуття розгубленості й безпорадності. Це постійний страх за життя близьких і за власне життя. Це вкрадені найкращі роки… Безкінечний стрес, виснаження, рутина й втрачені можливості. Це передчасне старіння душі й тіла, це зневіра, що тихо підкрадається у найважчі моменти.

Але водночас війна — це і новий, болісний досвід. Ми навчилися по-справжньому цінувати життя — тут і зараз. Навчилися триматися, коли здається, що сил більше немає. Навчилися вперто йти вперед, навіть крізь страх і біль.

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Бо завтра може вже не настати. І саме тому сьогодні має значення.»-Хрупало Олена.

“War is a feeling of confusion and helplessness. It is a constant fear for the lives of loved ones and for one’s own life. It is the best years stolen… Endless stress,

exhaustion, routine and lost opportunities. It is premature aging of the soul and body, it is despair that quietly creeps in at the most difficult moments.

But at the same time, war is also a new, painful experience. We have learned to truly appreciate life — here and now. We have learned to hold on when it seems that there is no more strength. We have learned to stubbornly move forward, even through fear and pain.

Because tomorrow may not come. And that is why today matters.” - Olena Khrupalo.

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«Війна — це постійний страх, тривога і невідомість. Це коли навіть звичайний день може різко змінитися. Водночас вона вчить бути сильнішим, цінувати життя, підтримку близьких і кожен спокійний момент. Попри все, з’являється віра в краще і велике бажання миру.»-Яна Касап

"War is constant fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. This is when even an ordinary day can change dramatically. At the same time, it teaches you to be stronger, to appreciate life, the support of loved ones, and every quiet moment. Despite everything, faith in the best and a great desire for peace appear." - Yana Kasap

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«Війна — це слово, яке ще кілька років тому здавалося далеким і страшним лише з підручників історії та фільмів. Сьогодні воно стало частиною нашого життя. Вона змінила наші будні, наші плани, наші думки і навіть наші мрії.

Мої переживання пов’язані насамперед із тривогою за близьких і за майбутнє нашої країни. Кожна повітряна тривога змушує серце битися швидше, кожна новина — хвилюватися. Але водночас війна навчила мене цінувати прості речі: ранкове сонечко, лагідний дощ, життя, родину, дружбу, можливість працювати.

Коли я була дитиною, то завжди на свята підписувала листівки рідним і близьким. І в кінці кожного привітання моя бабуся просила обов’язково написати слова: «і мирного неба над головою». Малою дитиною я не зовсім розуміла, чому саме на цьому вона так

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І в кінці кожного привітання моя бабуся просила обов’язково написати слова: «і мирного неба над головою». Малою дитиною я не зовсім розуміла, чому саме на цьому вона так

наполягала, адже мир здавався чимось звичайним і природним. Та моя бабуся, яка пережила війну, добре знала справжню ціну миру і тому так цінувала ці слова.

Сьогодні, коли ми знову переживаємо страхіття війни, я дедалі частіше згадую її слова. Тепер вони набули для мене зовсім іншого змісту. Я розумію, наскільки важливим є мир і як багато залежить від нього — життя людей, щастя дітей, спокій родин.

Я відчуваю сум за тими, хто постраждав від війни, співчуття до людей, які втратили домівки, і вдячність тим, хто захищає нашу країну. Саме завдяки їхній мужності ми маємо змогу жити, навчати дітей і вірити в перемогу.

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Попри всі труднощі, у моєму серці живе надія. Дуже хочеться вірити, що і в нас, в Україні, обов’язково буде

мирне небо над головою, що настане день, коли люди житимуть без страху, а діти зростатимуть у спокої та безпеці.»-Пустовіт Людміла

"War is a word that a few years ago seemed distant and scary only from history textbooks and movies. Today it has become a part of our lives. It has changed our everyday lives, our plans, our thoughts and even our dreams.

My experiences are primarily connected with anxiety for loved ones and for the future of our country. Every air alarm makes my heart beat faster, every piece of news makes me worry. But at the same time, the war taught me to appreciate simple things: the morning sun, gentle rain, life, family, friendship, the opportunity to work.

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When I was a child, I always signed postcards to my relatives and friends on holidays. And at the end of each

greeting, my grandmother asked me to write the words: "and a peaceful sky above your head." As a small child, I did not quite understand why she insisted on this, because peace seemed something ordinary and natural. But my grandmother, who had survived the war, knew well the true price of peace and therefore valued these words.

Today, when we are once again experiencing the horrors of war, I recall her words more and more often. Now they have taken on a completely different meaning for me. I understand how important peace is and how much depends on it - people's lives, children's happiness, family peace.

I feel sadness for those who suffered from the war, sympathy for people who lost their homes, and gratitude to those who defend our country. It is thanks to their

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courage that we are able to live, teach children, and believe in victory.

Despite all the difficulties, hope lives in my heart. I really want to believe that we, in Ukraine, will definitely have a peaceful sky above our heads, that the day will come when people will live without fear, and children will grow up in peace and security." -Pustovit Lyudmila

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«Кажуть, що людина звикає до всього. Але я не хочу звикати до війни. Я просто навчилася жити з нею в одній сумці, поруч із павербанком та серветками.

Бути звичайною жінкою сьогодні — це мати серце, що розривається від кожної новини, і водночас посміхатися дитині, щоб вона не бачила твого страху. Це планувати життя лише на завтра, але вірити в «після перемоги» так сильно, як ніхто інший.

Іноді я плачу. Просто так, від втоми чи від випадкової пісні в радіо. Але в цих сльозах немає слабкості. У них — уся моя любов до цього неба, до мого дому, до людей, які стали рідними за ці роки. Справжнє щастя тепер пахне не парфумами, а свіжим хлібом і тишею.

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. Воно звучить як коротке «плюс» або «ми в нормі» у телефоні.

Ми стали іншими. Тоншими, але міцнішими за сталь.

Ми навчилися цінувати кожен вдих, кожне «люблю» і кожен ранок, який настав. І в цьому нашому болючому, але глибокому щасті — наша незламність.»-Лариса Купченко

"They say that a person gets used to everything. But I don't want to get used to war. I just learned to live with it in the same bag, next to a power bank and napkins.

Being an ordinary woman today means having a heart that breaks from every piece of news, and at the same time smiling at your child so that she doesn't see your fear. It means planning life only for tomorrow, but believing in "after victory" as much as anyone else.

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Sometimes I cry. Just like that, from fatigue or from a random song on the radio. But there is no weakness in these tears. They contain all my love for this sky, for my home, for the people who have become my family over the years. True happiness now smells not of perfume, but of fresh bread and silence. It sounds like a short "plus" or "we are normal" on the phone.

We have become different. Thinner, but stronger than steel. We have learned to appreciate every breath, every "I love" and every morning that comes. And in this painful but deep happiness of ours is our invincibility." - Kupchenko Larisa

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«Війна... Страшне слово... Спочатку були злість і страх. Ніколи не думала, що таке скажу: але ми звикаємо до такого способу життя. Тільки так жити не можно. Моє бажання: щоб всі рідні зібрались разом. Сина я не бачила 7 місяців. Він добровольцем у ЗСУ. Звісно хвилююсь за нього. Хвилююсь за доньку і онука, коли лунає у нас тривога. За них переживаю. За брата, за маму. За дітей свого класу. Що зараз мене підтримує? Надія і віра. Зв'язок (нехай поки мобільний) із рідними і близькими.»-Наталя Дитинюк

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"War... A terrible word... At first there was anger and fear. I never thought I would say such a thing: but we get used to this way of life. It's just not possible to live like this. My wish: for all my relatives to get together. I haven't seen my son for 7 months. He is a volunteer in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Of course I'm worried

about him. I worry about my daughter and grandson when we hear the alarm. I worry about them. For my brother, for my mother. For the children in my class. What supports me now? Hope and faith. Communication with my relatives and friends." -

Natalia Dytyniuk

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Pavlo Dorosh, Avanhard Lyceum

“As a mother, my thoughts about war are filled with fear and pain. I look at my child and I cannot imagine a world where they are not safe, where their future is uncertain because of something they never chose. War, to me, is not just about countries or politics — it is about families, about children who deserve peace and a normal life.

I think about how every explosion somewhere is someone’s home being destroyed, someone’s life changing forever.

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As a mother, all I want is for my child to grow up without fear, to go to school, to dream about the future instead of worrying about tomorrow.I believe no goal can be worth the tears of children or the pain of parents. War only takes — it never gives. And if the world could see it through a mother’s eyes, maybe there would be more understanding, more compassion, and less violence,” – Iryna Dorosh

“Як мама, мої думки про війну наповнені страхом і болем. Я дивлюся на свою дитину і не можу уявити світ, у якому їй небезпечно, де її майбутнє невизначене через те, чого вона ніколи не обирала. Для мене війна — це не лише про країни чи політику, це про сім’ї, про дітей, які заслуговують на мир і нормальне життя.

Я думаю про те, що кожен вибух десь — це чийсь зруйнований дім, чиєсь життя, яке назавжди змінилося. Як мама, я хочу лише одного: щоб моя дитина росла без страху, щоб спокійно ходила до школи, щоб могла мріяти про майбутнє, а не хвилюватися про завтрашній день.

Я вірю, що жодна мета не варта дитячих сліз чи болю батьків. Війна лише забирає — вона нічого не дає. І якби світ побачив її очима матері, можливо, було б більше розуміння, більше співчуття і менше насильства,” -Ірина Дорош

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Vlad Filipov, Avanhard Lyceum

“Я, як учитель, сприймаю війну з глибоким болем і відповідальністю. Найбільше мене хвилює безпека моїх учнів та їхнє майбутнє. Навіть у складні часи я намагаюся підтримувати дітей, навчати їх і давати їм надію.

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Вірю, що освіта допоможе їм вистояти та побудувати краще майбутнє. Я мрію про мир, щоб діти могли навчатися без страху й жити у спокійній країні”,-Ольга Пигарь

«As a teacher, I perceive the war with deep pain and a strong sense of responsibility. I am most concerned about the safety of my students and their future. Even in difficult times, I try to support them, teach them, and give them hope. I believe that education will help them endure and build a better future. I dream of peace, so that children can learn without fear and live in a peaceful country,»- Olga Puhar

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TEAM4 PHOTO CAPTIONS

Team members:

Mentor: Viktoriia

1. Stacey (Ukraine)

2, Gaël G.M.B. (France)

3. Dylan (France)

4. Hadès (France)

5. Ghyslain Camus (France)

6. Lieskov Ivan(Ukraine)

7. Nastradin Mary(Ukraine)

8. Polina (Ukraine)

9. Vladik (Ukraine)

10. Rezi (Georgia)

11. Gigi (Georgia)

12.Natali (Georgia)

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THE WAR IN UKRAINE THROUGH CHILDREN'S EYES

Four-year-old Zhora lives in Zolote. The village is located near the front line in eastern Ukraine and could soon be inside a newly negotiated demilitarized zone.

Zhora avoids strangers and uses few words. His mother helps when he is interviewed.

Tell us about the time they fired shots."

"They fired when it was dark."

Zhora imitates the sounds of different weapons.

Andriy Dubchak, Radio Svoboda

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The war affects children’s lives in many ways. A recent report from UNICEF underscores this, pointing out that:

1.5 years of violence, fear, loss, and interrupted education made an indelible impact on children’s lives.

1.5 million children are now at risk of severe mental health issues.

Healthcare infrastructure is severely damaged, hampering essential care and vaccinations.

The source:

Nova Ukraine (Vlad, Odesa, Ukraine)

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Since Feb. 24, 2022, the escalation of war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on the country's children. For two long years, children have lived with the fear of bombardment. Classes have moved into basements, playgrounds are littered with landmines and unexploded ordnance. Children sheltering from overhead threats have spent 3,800 to 4,500 hours — up to half a year — underground, undercutting their education and leaving them at significant risk of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Source- UNICEF (Maria, Odesa, Ukraine)

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"There were flames and smoke, and my cousin was really scared. We immediately started putting out the flames with water. I was terrified.” — Danylo, 14 UNICEF Official Site (Polina, Odesa, Ukraine)

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THE WAR IN UKRAINE THROUGH CIVILIANS' EYES

In the heart of Odesa, where air raid sirens sound one after another, the locals no longer raise an eyebrow when the wail of yet another siren fills the streets. Despite being considered a transit zone, where displaced persons briefly pause on their journey westward, Odesa takes safety very seriously. “Teach us how to protect ourselves, or we are done,” was the plea from civilians traumatized by the ravages of war. The Guardian, March, 2026 (Polina, Odesa, Ukraine)

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Ivan’s entire life is connected with his native village of Yahidne in Chernihiv Oblast. For many years, he worked as a school administrator at the only school in the village and spent a lot of his time there. At the beginning of the Russian invasion and occupation of Chernihiv region, the basement of this school turned into a trap for 367 villagers, including Ivan and his family. Despite his captivity and the absolutely inhumane conditions of detention, the man still did not leave his native village and continues to guard the school, which has become an epicenter for harm to civilians. He is convinced that the world should know about this crime against people who just wanted to live their peaceful lives. The Guardian, March, 2026 ( Maria, Odesa, Ukraine)

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“I tried to evacuate on a scooter under gunfire and explosions”: The story of a student who escaped the bombing of Kharkiv, but returned to study and help rebuild the region.
Source - Center for Civilians in Conflict (Maria. Odesa, Ukraine)

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The War through Soldiers' eyes

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Ukrainian soldiers have told Sky News shortages of weapons and ammunition mean they are counting every shot they fire at advancing Russian forces. That's despite recent commitments from Ukraine's NATO allies to increase production. Sky's security and defence editor Deborah Haynes reports. (Vlad, Odesa, Ukraine)

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A Ukrainian serviceman holds a baby crossing the Irpin river on an improvised path under a bridge that was destroyed by a Russian airstrike, while assisting people fleeing the town of Irpin, Ukraine, on March 5. (AP Photo) (Vlad, Odesa, Ukraine)

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COMPARING PAST AND PRESENT cultural sights and architecture in Odesa

the monument to Duke de Richeleue, the fouder of the city

ALL THESE BUILDINGS ARE UNDER UNESCO PROTECTION!!!

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Spaso-Preobrazhenskiy Cathedral

Stacey, Odesa, Lyceum 130

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The Transfiguration Cathedral is the main and largest Orthodox church in Odesa, located on Soborna Square in the heart of the city. It is a monumental, snow-white building in the classical style with a tall bell tower, which for many years served as the main architectural landmark of the historic center. The cathedral's interior is striking in its scale: it is divided into the Upper and Lower Churches and can accommodate up to several thousand people at a time. Unfortunately, in July 2023, the cathedral became the epicenter of a terrible tragedy: it was struck by a rocket, which destroyed the altar and caused extensive damage to the interior. Since then, intensive restoration work has been underway with international support.

photo source: wikipedia.org, dumskaya.net

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Vorontsov Palace

Ivan, Lyceum130

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The Vorontsov Palace in Odesa is an elegant Empire-style manor house perched on a cliff overlooking the sea and surrounded by a picturesque garden. The main landmark of this architectural complex is its famous semicircular colonnade of twenty columns, offering panoramic views of the port. Unfortunately, the Vorontsov Palace suffered serious damage as a result of enemy shelling in Odesa. Blast waves from the attacks shattered dozens of ancient windows, deformed doors, and tore off roof elements. The interiors suffered particularly severe damage: plaster fell off in many halls, and unique decorative elements were also damaged.Since the palace is located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this destruction became yet another recorded tragedy for world culture.

photo source: dumskaya.net

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Fruktoviy Passazh

Ivan, Lyceum 130

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The fruit passage at Privoz is a masterpiece of commercial architecture dating back to 1913. Four two-story pavilions, connected by majestic arched vaults, form cool, covered galleries. For decades, this place was a true temple of abundance, filled with the aromas of southern fruits and the unique flavor of Odesa. After years of decline, a large-scale restoration began in 2020. Unfortunately, on the evening of January 26, 2025, the historic complex was severely damaged by an enemy drone attack. The ensuing fire engulfed approximately 1,000 square meters: the fire and explosions severely damaged the famous arched vaults, destroyed walls, and destroyed the results of years of restoration work.

photo source: culturemeter.od.ua, nv.ua

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Scientists House

ММММ

Ivan, Odesa, Lyceum 130

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The Odesa House of Scientists is one of the city's most beautiful manor complexes. It is a luxurious two-story 19th-century mansion with an attached art gallery and a cozy summer garden. Its main unique feature is the palace interiors, which have been preserved virtually in their original state: the White Hall with its oak parquet flooring made from 22 different types of wood, and the Marble, Silk, and Oak Drawing Rooms.During a massive missile attack in July 2023, the building was severely damaged by a nearby explosion. The blast

wave blew out nearly all the windows, including the fragile ancient stained-glass windows, seriously damaged the unique furniture, collapsed the ceilings in the halls, and nearly destroyed the summer garden. Even the famous piano of Hungarian composer Franz Liszt, which was kept in the White Hall, was damaged.

photo source: wikipedia.org, 24tv.ua

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Philarmonic

Stacey, Lyceum 130

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The Odesa Regional Philharmonic is a true masterpiece by architect Alexander Bernardazzi, built in 1899 as the New Merchant Exchange. The copy of Vinece's Doge's Palace, the building attracts with its lancet windows, carved wooden ceiling and unique concert hall, where music takes on incredible volume thanks to its perfect acoustics. Sadly, this temple of art, under UNESCO protection, was severely damaged by a missile strike on the city center on January 31, 2025. The powerful blast wave ruined the original wooden frames of the main entrance, damaged the magnificent antique stained glass windows, and caused severe damage to the rich interior decor.

photo source: wikipedia.org, 24tv.ua

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Hotel Bristol

Stacey, Odesa, Lyceum 130

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The Bristol Hotel is more than just a five-star establishment; it's a living body of Odesa's glamour, created in 1899 by architect Alexander Bernardazzi. It greets guests with a luxurious Baroque façade and a famous pink marble grand staircase that has been trodden by hundreds of international film stars. This hotel has become a symbol of Odesa's status as not just a provincial city, but a shining European capital by the sea, where luxury is combined with legendary southern hospitality. This hotel shuddered with horror on the evening of January 31, 2025, when enemy missiles struck the historic heart of the city. The blast wave shattered ancient windows, and a fire broke out on the hotel's roof. The fire and explosions damaged the unique interiors, trapping terrified staff in their rooms. Odesa once again proved that its soul cannot be destroyed: thanks to the incredible efforts of restorers and the will of the city, the legendary Bristol reopened its doors in September of that year, and its famous marble staircase once again welcomes guests.

photo source: rbc.ua, bristol-hotel.com.ua

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THE CONTEST

CREATE AN IDEAL SOLDIER WHO CAN PROTECT THE WORLD FROM WARS

SORA AI

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Mentor Viktoriia

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Polina, Lyceum 130, Ukraine

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Stacey, Lyceum 130, Ukraine

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Maria, Lyceum 130, Ukraine

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Vlad, Lyceum 130, Ukraine

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Ivan, Lyceum 130, Ukraine

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Gaël G.M.B. France

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Team3a Carraz, France

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Team3a Carraz, France

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Team4a Carraz, France

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Georgia,Kutaisi

LTD School N1

Rezi

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Georgia,Kutaisi

LTD School N1

Gigi

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"A GLOBAL MEMORY BOOK"

Name: A GLOBAL MEMORY BOOK
Author: Viktoria Gordienko

Viktoria Gordienko, Marina Fedishina, Salome Asatiani, Sandrine Gorichon

WHAT IS WAR? War is a state of organized, large-scale conflict between groups, typically nations or states, that involves formal combat, use of military forces, and often aims to achieve ...

(262 pages)

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