After three years of conflict, 30-year-old Tonya has been forced to confront the harsh realities of war, transitioning from life as a pastry chef to leading a demining team for MAG Ukraine.
Credit: MAG/Julia Kochetova
Before the invasion, Tonya lived in Mykolaiv, honing her craft. Seeking better opportunities, she moved abroad, but when the war began, she found herself grappling with uncertainty about her future. “I didn’t know if I would even be able to come home,” she recalls.
In March 2023, driven by a profound sense of belonging and a desire to contribute to her homeland, she returned to Mykolaiv, asserting that “home is home, no matter what.”
With job opportunities in her field virtually nonexistent, Tonya turned her attention to humanitarian demining. “I saw a vacancy for a deminer and started learning about mine action,” she explains. By August 2023, she was part of a dedicated team focused on clearing explosive devices from contaminated areas in Mykolaiv.
Tonya’s work not only ensures the safety of her community but also lays the groundwork for recovery in a region scarred by conflict. Despite the ongoing fear and uncertainty, she remains determined: “I want peace,” she affirms.
Credit: MAG/Julia Kochetova
As the war in Ukraine stretches into its fourth year, Tonya’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the men, women and children navigating the unimaginable challenges posed by war.
Learn more about our work in Ukraine here.
Header image credit: MAG/Julia Kochetova
