Yaroslav Getman, now residing in Sollentuna, Sweden, shares his personal experience of the moment when the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. He describes waking up to the sounds of air raid alarms and explosions in Kyiv, knowing that life as he knew it was forever changed by the war. Despite discussions of Russian troop movements prior to the invasion, Yaroslav conveys his shock at the reality of the attack, emphasizing how these events drastically altered his family's life.

As a father of a young daughter, Yaroslav recounts the emotional turmoil he faced as the bombing began. He and his family were caught in the midst of this new, terrifying reality, grappling with thoughts about the safety of their child amidst the chaos. He shares how adjusting to parenthood had already transformed his life and how the invasion compounded these changes in ways that were unimaginable. Yaroslav's reflections highlight the profound personal impact of the conflict on individuals and families.

Now, living in Sweden, Yaroslav expresses a sense of loss and resignation about the changes in Ukraine, stating that it will never return to what it was before. His narrative illustrates not just the immediate effects of war, but also the long-lasting implications for individuals who have had to flee their homes and rebuild their lives elsewhere while carrying the memories and burdens of their past experiences.