Ukraine's surprise local hero

When Russia began bombing Ukraine on 24th February 2022, millions of people became refugees abroad. They had to leave their homes in search of safety. However, many stayed and they are living through the war in Ukraine.

Fuminori Tsukiko’s a 75-year-old Japanese tourist who was visiting Poland. He decided to travel to Ukraine to offer assistance to those who remained.

He first travelled to Kyiv and then to Kharkiv, which was destroyed by the fighting.

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

During the bombing, Kharkiv residents sought refuge in the subway system. Tsukiko joined them and lived alongside them, as Zoya Reshetnyak tells us.

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 under attack, Tsukiko and the locals survived underground for nine months. Tsukiko provided support by preparing breakfast daily and raising money from Japan to buy essential food and medicines for the people.

Although they have returned to life above ground, the people of Kharkiv continue to value Tsukiko's generosity. With the help of social media, Tsukiko continues to collect donations to provide food and medication to Kharkiv. His selfless acts and deep love for the city's people have made him a war-time hero.

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." View Less