Read at 3 different speeds

Love conquers all - 8th March 2023

Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which commenced military operations on 24th February 2022, displaced millions who poured into neighbouring nations seeking safe haven. Demonstrating great altruism, Fuminori Tsukiko, a Japanese tourist in his 70s holidaying in neighbouring Poland, decided to offer his services to those who remained at home unable to flee the conflict.

The 75 year old initially headed for the capital Kyiv and then progressed on to the bombarded city of Kharkiv. Instead of taking up arms, he offered aid to civilians.

Fuminori Tsukiko: "Kyiv and rebuild and Kharkiv – very good, very good. I like, I love Ukraine."

During its bombardment, Kharkiv’s subway system was transformed into a bomb shelter housing residents, who Tsukiko joined, seeking safety underground with them, an experience Zoya Reshetnyak remembers.

Zoya Reshetnyak: "He was sleeping next to us, talking to children, and they would understand him. They played together and children would hang on to him. He delved into our lives – lived through everything with us."

As Kharkiv was being pummelled by Russian airstrikes, residents had to endure 9 months underground in the city's subway system. Joining them in the subterranean bomb shelter, Tsukiko lent a helping hand, preparing them breakfast and appealing for donations from Japan to purchase basic necessities.

Despite life returning to the surface, Tsukiko's still held in high regard amongst locals for his benevolence whilst residents sheltered in Kharkiv's underground tunnels. Calling on his social media followers, Tsukiko gathers funds for Kharkiv's citizens to purchase supplies and medicine. Tsukiko's heart’s firmly taken by Kharkiv and his unwavering commitment to the city has made him a local legend.

Fuminori Tsukiko: "I support by Japan. Many, many people support in Ukraine people – very good, very good. I don't escape, I don't escape. I lived in Kharkiv – not come back to Japan."