Another month of the fight. How we live during the war (Part II)

We’ve been living in a new reality for two months, doing our best to protect our country from Russian invaders. Reface continues to work no matter what, by uniting forces of our team to help Ukraine and its defenders.

To cover the humanitarian needs of Ukrainian citizens and defenders, Reface is also running a fundraising campaign. Our goal is to provide Ukrainians with humanitarian aid as soon as possible. We have $151K+ already raised ✊.

Even during the war, we’re staying positive and helping Ukrainians fight the darkness with memes on our channel @chornobaiky (join us on TikTok, Telegram, and Instagram) and with our new local app for meme creation – Memomet.

Previously, we published stories about the war life of our team, which had a strong impression on the readers of the Reface blog. Today we continue sharing our thoughts, hopes, and messages to the world.

Anton Volovyk

COO of Reface

— The first day of the war was the hardest, as nothing like this had ever happened in my life. I have lived in London for the last few years, but I was terribly worried about my family and my country, which started the most challenging mission of our time — to protect the humanity and liberal values that Ukraine embodies for me and the whole world.

I immediately called my parents and friends in Kyiv to persuade them to go to a safer place. I helped some with booking hotels and others with getting rifles. I guided people online on the safest ways to get out by studying many chat rooms with the most up-to-date information.

On the one hand, you don’t notice the time — the day lasts forever. On the other hand, you count the seconds until the person you are trying to reach answers the call.

The war didn’t fundamentally change my job but did change the context. Reface remains a company that works to achieve its goals with a unique approach, and we quickly switched from sustainability planning to anti-crisis strategies and helping the country. The organization of business processes and the launch of new products turned into creating structured volunteer projects within Reface.

I couldn't watch my home country suffer, so I got involved in the foundation from the first days of the war. I looked for the quickest and easiest ways to transfer funds to those in need because there was no time to wait. Each small town and big city in Ukraine is being defended by its citizens, and they need our support.

Many actions and decisions in our lives are guided by fear. Some people are afraid of losing their jobs, others are afraid of rising prices, or telling the truth and not offending people. Ukraine is fighting back against Russia, statistically the second-largest army globally with a nuclear arsenal. Managers of the Ukrposhta (Ukraine’s national postal operator) are fighting professional killers, and our truck drivers are transporting cargo through mines and shelling.

Be brave in everything you do. And if you are afraid, think about Ukraine. It will certainly give you strength!

Forty-four million strong, talented, and professional Ukrainians with the noble goal of fighting together for survival cannot lose against a dying bureaucratic empire that sent its unmotivated thugs to our home to be slaughtered.

Our victory is evident. I just hope it happens as soon as possible. Glory to Ukraine!

Kseniia Maslova

Executive Communications Manager at Reface

— The events of 2014-2015 were very traumatic for me. During the Maidan Revolution, I saw murdered people for the first time. Then Russia annexed Crimea, the place where I grew up. My relatives went to volunteer battalions to free our country from the enemy's clutches, and some didn't come back. This is the pain I've been trying to forget all these years.

I partially remember the first days, especially February 24. I am sitting on the bed, shivering and trying to figure out how we can get out of Kyiv. Then I realize there is insane traffic in the western direction, and we decide to stay. And we still are staying at home in Kyiv, hiding in a bomb shelter from time to time.

During the next air raid, we run to the subway, and for the first time, I smell war in the air — hot iron, gunpowder, and brimstone.

I try to do something every day to bring the victory of Ukraine closer. I write texts, formulate messages, plan communication, talk to the media, and share information about the war. I help with fundraising for volunteer and military vehicles, and donate to funds for drones and thermal imagers.

I also joined the volunteers at a small humanitarian aid center where we buy, pack, and deliver medicine, food, and hygiene products to Kyiv’s defenders, retirees, and large families. I donated 70% of my wardrobe to the victims in Chernihiv, became a blood donor, and clean the streets on the weekend — any help is now needed everywhere.

I still help the Reface speakers share important news. We tell the truth about Russia's war against Ukraine to our multi-million online community worldwide. Now I see the impact of every message we share, and it is our big victory.

For those who have never seen a war, it may seem easier to give up and agree to Russia's terms. But the war cannot be stopped — it can be won or lost.

The Russians are ready to kill us just because we are Ukrainians.

Don’t believe politicians — read the stories of ordinary people from Mariupol, Irpin, and Bucha instead. Or visit the nearest refugee center and see war-torn lives. We want a better future for Ukraine, and we don’t want Russian terror to spread further. Help us protect Ukraine and the world.

Anton Stenko

Motion Designer at Reface

— February 24 was my birthday. I woke up from a call at 5 a.m. and was told about loud explosions in the center of Kyiv. At first, I thought that these were provocations of the saboteurs, which were reported earlier. But when I opened the window, I heard intense, powerful explosions. I called my mom, who had left for Sumy the day before to follow the situation on the border with Russia. She is a journalist.

On that day, my mother miraculously got on the last bus from Sumy, which reached the safe region. Her colleague, who arrived at the station 5 minutes later, got stuck there and was under shelling for more than two weeks.

When my father and I went to the local conscription office, we saw the incredible lines of volunteers. But men with no special skills or combat experience were sent home, so we joined the self-defense unit. On February 28, we went for our first night patrol.

I learned a lot after the full-scale invasion of Russia on February 24 (the war began with the occupation of Crimea on February 20, 2014).

Now I know how to assemble and discharge a machine gun. I learned the basics of tactical movement and topography, the theory of aiming, and the use of different weapons. I know how to evacuate the wounded from red and yellow zones, and how to provide myself and others with emergency medical care.

I patrolled the city at night until recently, but soon I’ll start guarding the hospital and other civilian objects. At the same time, I continue battle drills.

The Russians have a concept of "Russian world." It's like the American dream but from a perverted rapist.

Now is not the time for tolerance or staying out of politics. Even Switzerland has supported Ukraine and lost its neutrality for the first time in history.

The Russians have a concept of "Russian world." It's like the American dream but from a perverted rapist. The results of the arrival of this so-called "peace" can be seen by searching for "Bucha" on Google. And it’s just one of the many cities in Ukraine that the Russians have touched.

This monster must be stopped because someday it could touch you, too.