Nikita, 11 years old, summer camp participant

»I live in Bakhmut with a brother and five sisters, two cousins and other relatives.
In regard of the war I saw the destroyed houses and the tanks and the army vehicles that had driven through our city.
I also noticed that people were hurt and killed. In everyday life not much has changed for me.
We were taught at school that we should not touch mines and should not approach tanks that are standing anywhere.
Once, there was a rocket which flew past our school. At first we thought of bangers, but then we saw that the windows had been hit and we sought shelter under the school desks. Our school was cleaned of rocket pieces after this incident. This attack took place at a huge distance, but all of us were very frightened and scared.
With my friends I visit the cinema, go to the pizzeria or talk about things on YouTube.
I'm only afraid of the war and the rocket launchers. Sometimes I pray that no one will die and there will be no more shootings.
When there was gunfire, I could not sleep at night. We also prepared a security room in our cellar, which we use and only leave when the gunfire has stopped.
I just want the war to stop, that no one has to die any more and life is going back to normal. I used to be very afraid, but I feel protected since I believe in God and visit the church. I hope that God will always protect me.«

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