My name is Inna (E-na) Malyuk and I am a 32-year-old Ukrainian -American. This age number neatly divides my life into completely distinct halves: I was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine until I was 16 years of age; and exactly 16 years ago I moved to Frankfort, KY.
I was on vacation in Orlando, Florida on February 22, 2024, when the Russian Federation entered a full-scale war against my homeland and the lives of 40 million Ukrainians changed forever. I knew that the war was devastating the country – I knew it from the news, from talking to my family, and from being an interpreter for refugees to the U.S. and Canada. I couldn’t find the right way to return home and assist in the war effort – I am not a soldier or a medic. So, I decided to work hard and send some of my earnings to the FPV drone-building efforts. It didn’t feel enough but felt better than doing nothing.
Upon making contact with one of the foreign aid organizations for Ukraine, I followed them to Kherson, where I have found my home, mission, and love. Upon returning to the U.S. and sharing my experience in a presentation, I saw that I can continue to spread the knowledge about volunteer and civilian life in this frontline city.
The war lasts almost 3 years now and it can be hard to keep following the news about the war in general. This is my personal account of my experience here. Please feel free to contact me with any questions about my experience, posts, Ukraine’s culture, or life in Ukraine in general.