Olivia Colman met an inspiring Ukrainian teenager to hear her story of resilience during the war with Russia.
The actress, 50, spoke to 15-year-old Solomiya as part of her work for UNICEF, where she is British president.
In a moving clip released to raise awareness of the ongoing conflict and its impact on Ukraine’s children, Olivia greeted Solomiya online as the teenager recalled the first day of the war and the lasting impact it has had on her life and education.
She told Olivia how she was woken up by an explosion on February 24, 2022, and overnight became one of millions of children fleeing for safety.
She explained how she quickly packed her bag and prioritized her English books so she could continue her language studies, not knowing she would have to spend another two years learning online – away from her friends.
Olivia Colman met an inspiring Ukrainian teenager to hear her story of resilience during the war with Russia
The actress, 50, spoke to 15-year-old Solomiya as part of her work for UNICEF, where she is British president
The latest data released today by UNICEF shows that children like Solomiya, in Ukraine’s frontline areas, have been forced to shelter in basements for between 3,000 and 5,000 hours over the past two years while air raid sirens sounded above. This corresponds to four to seven months underground.
Solomiya said, “We woke up and packed in about 20 minutes, and we’re just going to another city. I was actually scared, everyone was scared.
‘I think (the war) would last two weeks or months, but not even two years. I took all my books with me, this was so important to me. I don’t go to school now, I learn online because it is much safer.
“We have underground schools for the youngest and they organize a lot of events there for the older ones, and I went there for a speaking club.”
After their conversation, Olivia said, “It was a privilege to meet Solomiya today. She’s fifteen and has been through more than most adults do in their entire lives. She has come out of it so incredibly strong and incredibly positive, and she still has hopes and dreams for the future and for a positive outcome for Ukraine.
“It was a very humbling experience to talk to such a special person.
‘It is clear from our conversation that two years later the situation for children in Ukraine is still one of fear and loss.
“Their schools continue to be attacked, causing massive disruption to their education and mental well-being.
In a moving clip released to raise awareness of the ongoing conflict and its impact on Ukraine’s children, Olivia greeted Solomiya online as the teenager recalled the first day of the war and the lasting impact it has had on her life and education.
She told Olivia how she was woken up by an explosion on February 24, 2022, and overnight became one of millions of children fleeing for safety.
“But UNICEF is there, providing life-saving support from day one, working hard to give children their education back and providing safe spaces to learn, grow and dream – just like the amazing Solomiya. The children of Ukraine need peace now.”
During their conversation, Solomiya said, “My greatest hope is that the war ends. No one deserves to suffer, especially children.
‘They shouldn’t be afraid of the future or going to bed so as not to wake up in the morning. I would like to become an architect in the future and repair all the buildings and damage in our country.’
The special meeting follows Olivia’s previous support of UNICEF, raising awareness and advocating for children’s rights, when she traveled to the Global Humanitarian Supply Hub in Denmark in 2022 – the first year of the war.
There, she helped package emergency supplies and school-in-a-box supplies that were sent to children and families in need in Ukraine.