Ukrainians living in Kajaani, Finland, are commemorating the somber four-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Volodymyr and Iryna Ihnatenko recount the harrowing moments when they had to abandon their home and the life they built during the initial minutes of the war, leaving them unable to return due to the ongoing conflict. Volodymyr expresses his feelings of despair and uncertainty regarding the prospect of peace, fearing that the violence may persist indefinitely.

Iryna remains hopeful for a future peace despite her doubts about Russia's willingness to cease hostilities. She believes that all wars eventually come to an end, instilling a deep-seated belief that peace will eventually return to Ukraine despite the current turmoil. The couple's reflections illustrate not only the trauma experienced by those who had to flee their homeland but also the enduring hope that peace can be restored, regardless of the present grim outlook.

Another Ukrainian refugee, Olena Zadorošna, expresses the emotional toll that the conflict has taken, not just on people but also on their pets, as she arrived in Kajaani with her husband and their two older dogs, traumatized by the war. These personal stories emphasize the ongoing challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees in Finland, many of whom are still grappling with memories of loss, uncertainty about their futures, and the hope that their homeland will find peace sooner rather than later.