On February 24, Ukraine commemorates four years since Russia's full-scale invasion, a somber reminder of the ongoing suffering and loss faced by civilians. The atmosphere in Ukraine remains heavy with despair, as citizens express feelings of dwindling hope for a brighter future amidst the protracted conflict. An encounter with 11-year-old Yevra Antipova at Kyiv's 'First Oriental Language School', which teaches Japanese and accommodates over 1,170 students aged 6 to 17, highlights the impact of war on the younger generation.

The school experiences interruptions due to air raid sirens, which have increased in frequency, affecting the students' sensitivity to noise and creating distractions in their learning environment. The principal explains that these sirens have become a part of daily life, reflecting the ongoing instability and danger present in the city. As Yevra shares her thoughts about school and life amidst these challenges, her story becomes emblematic of the resilience and struggles faced by many young people in Ukraine who are longing for peace yet burdened by the war's harsh reality.

In this context, her wish for peace resonates deeply, framing the personal cost of conflict in terms of familial separation and emotional turmoil. The four-year mark of the invasion provides a poignant backdrop to her innocent dreams, reminding readers of the dire need to alleviate the suffering of children caught in the crossfire of geopolitics and to foster hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict that continues to ravage their homeland.