Twelve-year-old Kateryna Yarlykova from Kupiansk is a story about how great talent, combined with courage and love for one’s homeland, can grow through any trial.

Already at five years old, Katrusia stood out for her incredible energy and all-round giftedness: drawing, dancing, and singing — all at once. At seven, the girl discovered a new gift — she began writing poetry, expressing her deep childhood thoughts and feelings. Her first victories weren’t long in coming: she became the winner of the “Voice of the New Year” competition, received recognition from the Kupiansk City Council, won first place in an all-Ukrainian singing competition, and second place in national dance competitions.

When War Interrupted Childhood

War interrupted her happy childhood and creative growth. Katya’s family had to endure difficult months under occupation. But even in the darkest times, the girl did not break — her pain and longing for freedom transformed into a powerful weapon: words.

After her hometown’s liberation, the family moved to Kharkiv, where Kateryna’s talent began to sound with new, mature strength. The child started attending the CodeIT4Life Ukraine educational space, where she gained the opportunity not only to study, but also to communicate with peers and take part in creative, educational, and team activities. The space became a place where she felt comfortable and safe, could openly express her thoughts, try new things, and receive support from teachers and the team.

“A Letter to the Enemy” — A Poem That Became a Manifesto

It was during this period that Katya wrote her piercing poem “A Letter to the Enemy.” In it, the girl addresses the aggressor directly, contrasting the cruelty of destruction with the unbreakable spirit of Ukraine and unwavering faith in victory. It is not a cry of despair, but a voice of dignity — the way a child who lived through occupation finds within herself the strength not to stay silent, but to speak truth to the whole world.

This work became a true manifesto of resilience. With it, Kateryna won second place at the International Reciters’ Competition — and through her voice, the world heard the truth about what Ukrainian children have lived through.

A Letter to the Enemy

The sky turns crimson

Nothing foreshadows trouble for us,

A frosty night is already falling,

The country is preparing for sleep.

Some have plans for the future,

While others decide our fate.

A child dreams in its sleep.

And suddenly, volleys ring out in the night.

War has broken out in the country!

A hail of shells is flying.

Why did you attack Ukraine!

You told everyone that you were our brother!

You, our enemy! You trample the earth.

You destroy dreams and homes.

You’ve destroyed our schools and hospitals,

You’ve littered the fields with mines.

But we will not fall to our knees!

For this is our home, our land!

Here, children respect their mothers,

Here, a father is an example to his sons.

We are a strong lineage descended from the Cossacks!

And we don’t need you as brothers.

You never considered us your own,

You only wanted to trample us underfoot!

In our free Ukraine,

You will never rule!

Your army will perish on our lands!

And the sun will shine over the country.

And our land will bloom again.

And our Ukrainian anthem

Will ring out in every city!

More Than Poetry

Next came the All-Ukrainian competition “My Little Brave Story,” where Katrusia described the act of a defender — the son of her teacher. In this prose work, “The Price of Our Freedom,” the girl told the moving story of a teacher who went to her online lessons every morning with a heart burned by grief, having lost her son — a reconnaissance officer and Hero of Ukraine who saved his brothers-in-arms at the cost of his own life. The piece impressed the jury so much that it was published in the respected literary almanac “Mirror of the Soul.”

A new triumph for the young girl from Kupiansk came with her participation in the All-Ukrainian competition “Unbreakable Ukraine.” There, Katya showcased every facet of her talent: she won a 2nd Degree Laureate diploma in the “Pop Vocals” category with the song “Let’s Sing a Song,” and claimed the long-awaited first place in the “Poetry” category with her now-famous “Letter to the Enemy.”

Kateryna’s story will soon reach not only Ukraine, but an international audience. From September 15 to October 5, 2026, the international exhibition ART WINS THE WAR – IntegrArte will take place at Centro Civico Castelli in Pieve Emanuele (Milan, Italy), dedicated to peace, memory, resilience, and intercultural dialogue through art. The official opening will take place on September 21 — the International Day of Peace.

Children’s artwork, including Kateryna’s creative work, will become part of this traveling exhibition, where the works of Ukrainian children, young people, and families are displayed alongside those of artists from around the world, turning art into an instrument of memory, healing, and hope.

For Kateryna, whose voice has already broken through the occupation she endured, into competitions and publications, this exhibition is one more step toward the world hearing the truth about children of war — not only within Ukraine, but far beyond its borders.

Today

12-year-old Kateryna continues her confident path toward creative achievement in Kharkiv. She studies at Children’s Music School No. 1 named after K. I. Shulzhenko. Today, the girl not only writes poetry, draws, sings, and dances, but is also mastering a new instrument for her — the domra.

Katrusia proves that Ukrainian words, songs, and art are invincible when they come from a sincere child’s heart. Her story is an inspiration for the whole country and a symbol of our shared unbreakable spirit.