"On the second day, rockets flew towards Kyiv again, passing by my house very low. The house isn't very sturdy, let's say, and the shelling damaged the roof. Our soldiers shoot down the rockets, but you understand, the explosions are strong and usually happen nearby, unfortunately. The asbestos or something cracked, or it slid down"
Svitlana, the wife of the captured military doctor Dmytro Mykolaiovych Bohdanenko, who has been in captivity for 21 months, lives alone with three children in the Kyiv region. She resides in her older sister's house.
"Honestly, we use everything because it's really cool help. It's all necessary - bedding, towels, hygiene... everything that's needed constantly. We use everything without exception. Thank you very much. It's really, really cool, very classy help. — the woman responds about the humanitarian aid from ShelterBox. — From my side, it would be impertinence to say that something is lacking. Everything necessary is there, and it's good quality. Laundry detergent, shampoo - everything that's needed. Women's hygiene products. Everything is of good quality. We use the dishes, quality pots. The only thing I don't use is iron dishes and cups because you can't eat from iron. That's the only thing I don't use. Towels are good, pillows are great, mattresses are just fantastic"
We hear for the first time about not being able to eat from iron dishes, so we ask for details.
"Generally, it's very bad to eat from iron dishes, mainly for your teeth. My husband is a doctor, and he once said not to eat from iron bowls because your teeth will quickly deteriorate. What's it related to? It's better to use special plastic for hot food"
The phone is constantly occupied by the voice of Svitlana's son, who seems very persistent about something.
"Excuse me, I have such a commander at home. Cheese and that's it, nothing else"
Parting ways, we promise to pass on the details of our conversation to the ShelterBox team. After all, it's very important not only to have numbers in the report but also to know the real stories of people who received help. Taking the opportunity, Mrs. Svitlana sends her greetings to them.
"Thank them for not leaving Ukraine, Ukrainian families in need, including large families and those less fortunate. Many thanks"