In the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the article recounts the harrowing experiences of pregnant women and their families. The author, a journalist, and her husband, a police officer, were fortunate to avoid the occupation of their village, Severynivka, by Russian soldiers. The article details the destruction and looting by Russian forces, including an attack on a maternity hospital in Mariupol on March 9, 2022, which severely injured Iryna Kalinina and resulted in the death of her baby. The author, pregnant during the war, describes the challenges of expecting a child in a country where pregnant women seemed to be targeted. The story of Anastasiya Piddubna, who gave birth in a bomb shelter, is also shared. Despite the dangers, the author gave birth to a healthy child in Kiev, amidst the ongoing conflict.

Hromadske, an independent grassroots internet TV channel in Ukraine, emerged as a significant player during the 2013 protests against Viktor Yanukovych. Founded by prominent journalists, it aimed to create Ukraine's first public-service broadcaster amidst a media landscape dominated by oligarchs. Despite challenges like fundraising, skill shortages, and threats to journalists, Hromadske persisted in providing impartial coverage, including from conflict zones like Donbas and Crimea. The article highlights the struggle for media independence and the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity in a polarized society.