In 2021, I was offered the opportunity to move to Kyiv, and I agreed—even though I didn’t really know the country or the city very well.

When I first arrived, I formed part of my impression after my Ukrainian friend—whom I met in China—told me I absolutely had to watch the film Winter on Fire. That was the first time I truly understood Ukrainians—their desire for freedom, democracy, and justice. And after the full-scale invasion, that desire only grew stronger.

Right now, how people perceive this war—and whether they can grasp the scale of the tragedy—is incredibly important. That’s why it’s essential to spread the truth about what is happening and explain how everyone can help. Organizations like UNITED24 create special projects so you know exactly where your money is going.

But I think awareness and support matter just as much—not only financial, but emotional. Simply sharing information, telling people what’s happening.