Ukrainian Artist Seeks Moments of Peace Amid Ongoing Conflict

Anna Ivanenko, an artist in Kyiv, reflects on rare moments when life feels "pre-war"—when people can walk safely at night, travel abroad, or plan months ahead. These fragments of normalcy have become luxuries since Russia's invasion.

The piece examines the psychological toll of constant conflict and the human need to reclaim small pieces of ordinary existence, even temporarily, while living under the threat of missiles.