Saturday will mark two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
UNICEF offered a painful-to-read description of what life has been like for the people there since Feb. 24, 2022.
“The children and families of Ukraine have endured almost two years of escalating violence, trauma, destruction, and displacement. Children continue to be killed, wounded, and deeply traumatized by violence that has sparked displacement on a scale and speed not seen since World War II,” it said.
A total of 3.7 million Ukrainians have been displaced internally due to the fighting, as per a joint study by the World Bank, United Nations, European Commission and the Ukrainian government, while another 5.9 million Ukrainians have left the country.
Families have been separated and lives lost while civilian infrastructure, like schools and hospitals, continue to be destroyed, said UNICEF.
For jewelry designer Valeriya Guzema, founder of Ukrainian brand Guzema, hope remains.
Valeriya Guzema, founder of jewelry brand Guzema, wearing the “Freedom” pendant
“Since the beginning of the full-scale war that Russia has unleashed on our native land, we Ukrainians have been giving our souls every day to fight for freedom,” she said.
“For us, freedom has two colors—yellow and blue, the colors of our national flag.”
Guzema set up a charitable foundation, the Guzema Foundation, to support the people of Ukraine.
All proceeds from sales of jewels in her “Freedom” collection are donated to the cause.
This week’s Piece of the Week pick is Guzema’s “Freedom” heart-shaped pendant, available in 14-karat yellow or white gold on blue and yellow silk strings, a nod to Ukraine’s flag.
The heart shape is “a tangible expression of gratitude for every contributor,” said Guzema.
The pendant can be worn as a necklace or a bracelet, depending on how the wearer ties the silk cords.
The collection, said Guzema, was inspired by her “unwavering hope” for Ukraine’s future.
Available online, the large version of the pendant retails for $700 while the smaller version is $320.
