A Ukrainian Soldier and Journalist's Story: Raising a Son Amidst Kyiv's Blackouts

Parenting Through Power Cuts

According to Главком: Ukrainian journalist and soldier Olena Bilozerska has described the experience of raising her newborn son, Pavlo, during the frequent blackouts in Kyiv. She became a mother at the age of 46, giving birth to her son on October 6, 2025. At the time of her post, her son was four months old. Olena Bilozerska has been an officer in the Armed Forces of Ukraine since 2014 and currently serves as the commander of the second fire platoon of a self-propelled artillery battery in the 503rd Separate Marine Battalion. Her story highlights the dual reality for many Ukrainians, balancing family life with the demands of a full-scale war.

Challenges and Hardships

Life in Kyiv presents constant difficulties for Olena; in January, her home was left without electricity and water for two days following Russian attacks on infrastructure. Despite these challenges, she strives to maintain comfort for her son. She notes that the indoor temperature in her home did not fall below +10 degrees Celsius, though it also did not reach a warm +25.

“You hold him in your arms and realize that these b*stards want to freeze us out. Though, the b*stards themselves are the last ones to be troubled by it.” - Olena Bilozerska

Olena also shared that the sounds of shelling do not wake her son, and he sleeps soundly through the night. “The sounds of shelling don’t wake the little one. He sleeps deeply at night. Apart from feeding issues, he doesn’t create any problems,” she notes. She believes her son provides her with crucial moral support and an emotional outlet during these trying times.

Olena describes how her son is learning new things: “He rolls onto his stomach and his back, tells his news in an elaborate baby-talk language, and grabs his loved ones’ fingers with a death grip.” She also shares her feelings, saying: “Who decided to have a first child at 46, during a war? That was me. My little son Pavlusia came into this world. 3,700 grams, 54 cm. Wish my child-you know what.”

Thus, Olena Bilozerska continues to fulfill her duties as both a soldier and a mother, working to provide the best possible conditions for her son amidst war and blackouts.

Olena Bilozerska’s story underscores how individuals, even under the extreme conditions of war, can find the strength to raise a child and ensure their well-being. It illustrates the resilience of Ukrainian women who strive to uphold family traditions and values despite external threats. The importance of moral support and positive moments remains critical for preserving psychological health and family welfare during such a difficult period.