When we speak of youth, we often think of energy, potential, and growth. But for many young Ukrainians today, youth also means responsibility, urgency, and choices they never expected to face in their twenties.
This International Youth Day, we share the voices of young people working with MOAS in our life-saving mission on the frontline of the war. Their paths, like those of so many across Ukraine, were transformed by war. They put aside personal goals and stepped into new roles that demand not just bravery, but clarity, discipline, and emotional resilience.
Each one of them – medics, paramedics, and evacuation drivers – has a different story. But together, they show us what it means to be young and to serve during a time of national crisis.
“This pain became my purpose”: Yevhenii Solod, 26
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, for Yevhenii Solod, the shift from peace to war was swift and complete. “I used to live a calm, peaceful life. In my home, surrounded by loved ones and simple joys. But one day, everything was suddenly gone.” Faced with this abrupt loss and witnessing the suffering caused by the invasion, he knew he wanted to help in some way.
He learned about MOAS andmade a swift decision. “I told my loved ones I was joining MOAS and clearly stated I didn’t want to hear any objections.” Yevhenii viewed his new role not merely as a job, but as a mission. “I didn’t see MOAS as just an organisation, I saw a real family.”
One night, a missile strike hit their location. “There was fire, smoke, panic. My first thought was about the others and how to save them, where to run. That day only strengthened my motivation.” Despite everything, he continues to study, now training to become a rehabilitation therapist to support wounded defenders.
From Stage to Frontline: Yevhenii Lozinskyi, 25
Before the invasion, Yevhenii Lozinskyi was training to become an actor. He had already taken part in local productions and was a member of a stunt team. But after the invasion, he felt he had no choice but to change that path. “I couldn’t stay on the sidelines. I felt the need to act, to do something for my country.”
He joined the local Territorial Defence Forces. Later, once Kyiv had been defended and the unit was no longer needed, he looked for a new way to contribute. A friend mentioned MOAS to him, and he quickly applied. “As soon as I got the offer, I was eager to join.”
Yevhenii became a driver on medical evacuation missions. Long hours, high stress, and constant danger. “At first, it was tough adjusting to little sleep and long hours behind the wheel. But what helped was knowing what our soldiers faced on the front line. That kept me going and pushed me to do my job even more diligently.”
After the war, he wants to go back to his profession and help rebuild the Ukrainian media industry, living with his family and without fear.
Holding the Line with Skill and Heart: Mykyta Buriak, 25
Before the war, Mykyta Buriak was working in emergency medical services. His days were busy, but they followed a rhythm. That changed with the full-scale invasion. Mykyta kept working as a medic, but the nature of the job changed overnight. Emergencies were no longer accidents or isolated events; they became constant. Every day brought new casualties. The pressure increased, but so did his sense of responsibility.
Then, outside a hospital, he encountered MOAS medics during a patient handover: “They were calm, confident, even in such a high-stress situation. I realized I want to be part of this. I want to be where I can help save those who are protecting us.” In April 2024, he officially became part of the MOAS team.
Each mission is physically demanding and emotionally intense. But one in particular has stayed with him. The evacuation of a 22-year-old soldier, critically wounded, with a tattoo that read “Free Youth.”
“He could have been studying, building a career, making plans for the future. But he chose to defend his country instead.” The soldier had lost several limbs. His injuries were devastating, but what stayed with Mykyta wasn’t just the trauma, but also the meaning behind that tattoo: “It was a reminder of everything that’s been stolen from our generation. Freedom, safety, time.”
The war has left its mark on Mykyta, too. It changed how he saw his role and how he saw himself. “You start to see things differently. You value small moments. You stop wasting time. There’s no space for things that don’t matter.”
A Life Interrupted, a Mission Accepted: Alina Serhiivna Bilous, 29
In March 2022, Alina Bilous saw a call for medics to join MOAS. She signed up right away. “The war disrupted my way of life and daily routine, crossed out all my plans. It limited the chance to connect in person with family and friends. It restricted my freedom.” Now a team leader on evacuations, Alina says the work has made her more serious, more focused, and more protective of those around her. “I carry the responsibility not only for the wounded, but for my whole team. Their lives and health, their morale and mental state.”
She’s learned to value the present. “A moment of conversation, friendship, a long-awaited meeting, a warm talk, or a genuine hug. We’ve learned to truly appreciate the here and now, because tomorrow, unfortunately, might not come.”
What It Means to Be Young in Ukraine
Many of those we spoke to described their experience in similar terms: being young in Ukraine means growing up quickly, bearing responsibilities, and learning to live in the present. “We’ve had to grow up not in years, but in months, sometimes even hours,” Yevhenii Lozinskyi states.
“It’s hard,” says Yevhenii Solod. “A lot of responsibility has fallen on young people. For the future, for our beautiful and united country.”“We don’t have a stable tomorrow, only today,” Alina adds. Or as Oleksii puts it, “Being young in Ukraine means not knowing if tomorrow will come. You value each day like it’s your last.”
They also agree on what they wish others outside Ukraine understood. For them, it’s not just about weapons or frontlines. It’s about daily life under pressure, about what their generation has lost and what they’re still trying to protect. “We’re not asking for pity,” says Yevhenii Solod. “We want people to understand that we’re fighting for our right to live, to be together, to feel safe in our own country.”
Mykyta echoes the same urgency. “It’s not just about bullets or explosions. It’s about everything that comes after. The silence, the trauma, the people who won’t come home.” This war is not abstract. It affects real lives, real people, daily.
Looking Ahead
Despite everything, each one of these young people continues to hope. Hope for peace. For a return to their professions, their families, and their homes. For the chance to live ordinary lives. “To build our life together again and make up for the time we’ve lost,” says Yevhenii Lozinskyi. “I hope to live. I hope my friends and loved ones stay alive and well,” says Mykyta.
Final Thoughts
This International Youth Day, we recognise the strength and determination of the young people working with MOAS in Ukraine. In a time of war, they’ve taken on roles no one should have to at their age. They do this not just out of duty, but because they understand that they have the power to save lives and that their actions today shape the future of their country.
Their stories reflect the reality of an entire generation that has been forced to grow up fast. They’re not just Ukraine’s future, they are actively shaping its present. And through their work, they continue to save lives and give hope in these difficult times.
You can support their work and effort with a donation: https://www.moas.eu/donate-moas-ukraine-2/
Your support can make a difference. Please consider donating to help us continue our missions and save lives. Visit www.moas.eu/donate to contribute. For more updates on our work, follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, or contact us at [email protected].