Nearly 10 months ago, Russia claimed possession of the Ukraine, igniting war between the two countries. Caught in the capital city of Kiev is Nalya, a young Ukrainian woman with ties to Bethlehem. As previously reported, Nalya, whose last name is withheld for her safety, continues to stay steadfast in her resolve that her country will prevail.

“I don’t like this war at all,” Nalya says. “I don’t know anyone who likes war.

“My life before the war wasn’t easy but it was my life and it was okay. Now, the war has made my life very difficult.”

As the war escalates, so does her passion against the Russians.

“I hate Putin and the Russian government,” she says. “We Ukranians are not afraid of the Russians. I think my president is doing a good job so far. He takes no **** from Putin.”

Nine months ago she feared retribution from the Russians for speaking out, but now she has seen and felt the fallout from war and speaks with little reservation.

“As I said before, we will not give in to the Russians, despite all the horrors and destruction they cause.”

She acknowledges she is safer than her countrymen in the eastern regions, where all the fighting is now.

“I cannot fool myself; missiles and drones fly into Kiev often and it knocks out power, water and heat.” she says sadly. “It is scary and a few times it felt like the explosions were nearby.”

Life during wartime necessitates change, but the little things don’t stop when the shelling commences.

“I still have rent to pay and food to buy. Prices have gone up a lot and I only have little jobs here and there so I must rely on the kindness of a few people who help me.”

Power outages, lack of heat, and temperatures steady at 35 degrees make life challenging.

Bethlehem resident Phil Gentile, a sort of surrogate father to Nalya, has been just as steadfast in his concern. The lack of food, heat and electricity compounded by the erratic air raids and drone attacks make him fearful for Nalya.

War isn’t the only hardship Nalya has experienced.

“When I was young, my brother and I were orphaned,” she explains. “My father died when I was young and my mother wouldn’t care for us. She had bad drinking problem. We spent our youth in an orphanage where there wasn’t much to celebrate.”

Celebrating Christmas was never a major focus for her.

“I don’t really celebrate holidays,” she says. “I have no family traditions; neighbors will cook special food and sing traditional songs. They will have some celebration and try to make it normal for the kids.”

Nalya looks forward to the day she will be able to see and talk with her brother. He currently lives in a Russian occupied area in the east, and communication is limited to mail. She hopes to make contact with him in the new year.

Simple wishes in a very complex situation.