In the Shadow of Occupation: How a City Found Hope Through Milk and Solidarity

In February 2022, our city fell under occupation, and life as we knew it changed forever. We faced a severe food shortage as closed shops and blocked roads made any attempt to leave the area nearly impossible. There was no transportation connection with major cities, only small neighboring settlements. Our residents encountered a real scarcity of food, and the situation worsened with each passing day.

My family was relatively well-prepared, as I always stocked up on supplies for 2-3 months, and just a week before these events began, I had made a large purchase of essential goods. However, we still needed to buy milk, bread, and other necessities regularly.

In the midst of ongoing hostilities and blocked roads, any opportunity to obtain essential products became a matter of life and death. During these difficult times, a group of compassionate individuals emerged who found a way to connect with a dairy farm located not too far from our city, which was theoretically accessible.

The farmer decided to provide the milk for free, as he had no way to sell it due to the ongoing conflict. The situation was tragic: the milk, which was so vital to many, was simply being wasted because transporting it through dangerous areas was too risky. This injustice—where such a valuable resource went unused in the face of scarcity—became the catalyst for the actions of this group of dedicated people.

They took on the risks and challenges associated with organizing milk deliveries to the city. Every step was fraught with danger, but their determination to help others overcame all obstacles. This group not only provided our city with a vital resource but also demonstrated that even in the darkest times, it is possible to maintain humanity and solidarity.

Their efforts, embodied in this humanitarian act, became a symbol of hope and unity during the crisis. They did not just deliver milk; they brought comfort and support to people, reminding us all of the power of collective action and true kindness. This act showed that even in the most desperate situations, light and inspiration can be found if we act together and remember our humanity.

Milk began to be distributed in the city square. Three vehicles were used for the deliveries, but the amount they could bring was catastrophically small. There were not enough containers, and transportation and fuel were scarce, while the number of people wanting milk was large.

One day, when we went to the city square for milk, we found out that the supplies had already run out. At that moment, our acquaintances with children approached us. They had managed to get a small amount of milk—about one liter. Despite having waited in line for over three hours, they offered us part of their share. I was touched by this offer, but considering that we could manage without milk for a while, I suggested they keep the milk for themselves. At that moment, I was ready to make this sacrifice to support those in a more difficult situation. But my wife, who usually never raised her voice and was always calm, told me that we really needed the milk. She emphasized that even a small amount would be enough for our children.

I saw how important it was for her to meet our children's needs and realized that I needed to take action. Determined not to stand by, I approached the volunteers organizing the milk deliveries to find out how I could help increase the amount of milk being brought in. I was told that additional containers for storing the milk, fuel for transportation, and a vehicle were needed.

I learned that the volunteers were planning to get a new batch of milk. Determined to help, I returned home to gather everything I could. I managed to find several large containers with a total capacity of 400 liters and had a vehicle with half a tank of gasoline that could assist in transportation.

We quickly set out for the settlement where the farm was located. Since it was winter and the roads were impassable, we had to travel through forest paths, which made the journey more difficult. The farm was not too far away, but the trip took about two hours. The road was challenging, and every mile was hard-won.

When we finally returned to the city, we saw the queue for milk. The people waiting were in a state of tension and fatigue. We distributed the milk in less than 20 minutes, which allowed us to quickly serve those waiting. I kept 15 liters of milk for ourselves and distributed it among the neighbors and acquaintances who had helped our family in tough times by sharing what little they had.

Every day, we increased the volume of milk deliveries. Gradually, we started bringing in potatoes, mushrooms, and meat. This is how my journey as a volunteer began.

This experience taught us that even in the darkest times, it is important to maintain our humanity and help each other. A small act of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Since then, we always remember the importance of support and mutual aid and strive to continue this even when conditions become difficult.