His name is Ivan. He is 10 years old and lives with his mother in Kyiv. Ivan is bright, hardworking and loves to learn. He recently developed a deep fascination with the Kyiv Metro. "An unusual passion," you might say. But for Ivan, the metro is more than just transportation—it’s a sanctuary. It’s warm, the lights are always on and the internet works—luxuries he no longer has at home.

This winter in Kyiv has been unforgiving. Temperatures have dropped as low as -4F (-20C). Following the latest Russian attacks, the high-rise building where Ivan’s family lives has been stripped of everything. No electricity, no heat and no water. Imagine the contrast—a cozy European apartment turned into a cold, dark shell.

Being a clever boy, Ivan knows there is nothing for him in that freezing silence. So, every day since January 9, he heads to the metro after school. By now, he knows every station by heart—their names, their sequence and every transfer point. He even has a favorite station—the warmest one in the city.

After finishing a working dayl, his mother joins him. Neither is in a hurry to return to the cold. They spend a few more hours in the metro before heading to a nearby gas station for some hot tea. Afterward, they go on a quest for drinking water. With no water in their pipes and the nearby stores completely sold out, finding even a single bottle has become a daily struggle. Only then do they return home. For weeks now, they haven't taken off their coats or snow pants, even to sleep. They simply crawl under heavy blankets in a dark, frozen room, waiting for morning.

Despite the darkness, Ivan keeps learning. His school became an island of normality in his life. His mom made the metro feel like an adventure for him. The Ukrainians prove that while the heating can be turned off, the spark of a child’s spirit cannot be extinguished.

Ivan’s story isn't just about a boy who likes trains. It’s a story about a childhood stolen by war, where a subway station becomes a symbol of hope and warmth in a city fighting to survive. How many more "metro lovers" are hiding from the cold tonight?

You can help us share the love of Christ with children like Ivan. Learn more and get involved in the Ukraine Response.