In brief
In a poignant depiction of resilience, Volodymyr Nikulin's story mirrors the plight of countless Ukrainians displaced by war, heart-wrenchingly illustrating the cost of survival amid continuous conflict.
Volodymyr Nikulin, a police officer entrenched in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, has seen the effects of war first-hand as he navigates the constant upheaval brought on by Russian advances. With only a shrapnel-damaged car and a few personal belongings, Nikulin has relocated multiple times due to the relentless assaults on Ukrainian cities.He currently resides in a friend’s apartment in Sloviansk, just outside the danger zone. The threat is always close, echoing through the walls in the form of distant bombardment, a grim reminder of his precarious situation. “Who knows where I’ll be in a few months?” says Nikulin, articulating the uncertainty faced by many like him. At age 53, this lieutenant colonel embodies perseverance—his spirit buoyed by a grim humor surrounding his “lucky car” which has repeatedly aided him in escaping life-threatening situations. His journey includes fleeing Donetsk in 2014, Mariupol in 2022, and most recently, Myrnohrad amidst the current summer's chaos, with each departure marked by the loss of home and community.Despite the odds, Nikulin continues to serve, often putting himself in harm's way to assist those trying to flee besieged areas. His experiences reflect not only personal challenges, but also the broader struggles of the Ukrainian people, many of whom have been forced to abandon cherished homes while mourning the lives lost to conflict.
