How Russia's invasion turned everyday Ukrainians into heroes
More than 4.6 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded on Feb. 24, sparking the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. They have traveled on buses and trains, folded their dearest possessions into suitcases. They have crossed into foreign lands, their futures unknown.
But millions more have stayed to help defend their country. Some have taken up arms, but others are helping in different ways. There is the teacher who now peels potatoes in a soup kitchen. The DJ manning emergency call lines who says she keeps "a small room in my brain" to hold all the pain she has heard. There are psychologists trying to help people process trauma in real time and students risking their lives to spirit supplies to soldiers on the front lines.
Russia's relentless assault — now targeting the south and east with daily barrages — has transformed everyday Ukrainians. Here are some of their stories. These interviews have been edited and condensed.
Les Yakymchuk, 29, videographer
I had been studying at Ohio University for six months when the war happened. My girlfriend and I decided to come back to Ukraine. It was a really impulsive decision.
