A Story of Resilience in the Midst of Conflict
Tamara Pozdnyakova’s life has been shaped by war, loss, and an unyielding determination to rebuild. On June 30, she awoke to a flurry of missed calls from friends asking if she knew that the shopping centre, which housed her clothing store, had been hit by missile strikes. By the time she arrived, the market was engulfed in flames. The fire had consumed the entire area, but thanks to the metal shutters on her shop windows, her stock remained untouched. However, the damage to the store itself was severe.
Donetsk, a city under Russian control in eastern Ukraine, experienced its most intense missile attack in over a year at the end of last month. The strike resulted in one death and three injuries, with dozens of shopkeepers losing their businesses. Pozdnyakova was among them. Her story is one of perseverance, not just in rebuilding her business, but in overcoming the emotional toll of repeated destruction.
A History of Rebuilding
The shop, named Little Italy, was not only a place of commerce for Pozdnyakova but also a vital part of the community. It was established in her hometown of Avdiivka, a smaller city north of Donetsk. Over the years, the shop had been destroyed twice before—during the early years of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, which began in 2014. Each time, Pozdnyakova found the strength to rebuild.
A tattoo on her right forearm reads “Never give up,” a testament to her resilience. For many in the community, Little Italy was more than just a store—it was a psychological refuge, a place where people could come not only to shop but to find solace and conversation.
“Everyone came not just to the store, but more just to talk to me,” Pozdnyakova recalls, sitting in the remains of her shop, where electric cables dangle dangerously from the damaged ceiling.
A Journey Through War and Displacement
In 2022, when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Pozdnyakova left Avdiivka. She spent several years in Europe and later in Russia before returning to her homeland. Drawn back by memories of home, she recently visited Avdiivka to claim government compensation for her destroyed apartment.
During the visit, she broke down while watching videos of her former kitchen, where cupboards were ripped open and windows shattered. The devastation was overwhelming, yet Pozdnyakova remains hopeful despite her losses.
Community Strength in Times of Crisis
After the recent missile attack, local men quickly gathered to begin clearing the rubble, their electric drills filling the market’s alleyways with sound. Pozdnyakova sees this as a sign of hope.
“There is no such thing as everything being lost again and you being left alone,” she says. “There are people around me, and people are a resource.”
Her words reflect the spirit of those who continue to fight for their communities, even in the face of immense hardship. While the road to recovery is long, Pozdnyakova’s story serves as a powerful reminder of human resilience and the enduring power of community.
