aiI am Iryna Ilyinska, an artist, a volunteer of the NGO "Loyal Heart", in the hero city of Kharkiv.

aiFor me, the war began in 2014. Kharkiv region borders Donetsk and Luhansk regions, where military operations took place. It is 200 km from Kharkiv city nearby. In 2014, a powerful volunteer movement was formed in Kharkiv. They helped the volunteer battalions that stood up for the defense of Ukraine. 

aiWhen war came to my city in February 2022, our NGO "Loyal Heart" joined the volunteer work with new strength. They collected funds, looked for where to buy, how to bring and deliver the necessary clothing, ammunition, and medicines to the military. 

aiAnd everything was complicated by the fact that Kharkiv was shelled every day, shops were closed, people hid in basements and the subway. Many were evacuated.

aiWe went there right away. Up and down 4 flights, we managed to take out a lot --military clothing, uniforms, berets, etc. But, on the last trip, we came under mortar fire.

aiWe left quickly. The high-rise buildings of this 'sleeping' district were burning all around. It was scary and our volunteer car's windshield was blown out by the explosive wave. The whole area was on fire!

aiWe managed to take everything to my studio where we sorted and distributed to the fighters of the territorial defense of Kharkiv. Also, friends from America, Poland, Italy, France responded quickly and started sending parcels with the necessary tactical medicine, ammunition, helmets, gloves, knee pads, stretchers and much more. 

aiOvernight, my art studio turned into a logistics center and
aistorage. My life, like the lives of many, has turned into constant help.