More than 100 days have passed since the beginning of the Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Since then, we have seen horrific scenes as Ukrainians are fighting for their country.

But there have also been unprecedented displays of solidarity for Ukrainians around the world, as well as examples of how ordinary heroes, humanism, beauty, love, and even humor can be born during such dark times.

1. The comedian who became a statesman 

In April 2019, comedian Vlodymyr Zelensky reaped a landslide victory in Ukraine's presidential election.

One of the key promises was to end the fighting between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists.

When Russia began its full-scale invasion in February, some thought he would leave and be replaced by a pro-Russian politician, reports

euronews

.

But he stayed and worked day and night to get military aid and support for the war-torn country.

He has spoken to leaders and delivered speeches in various world parliaments and has become a renowned statesman on the world stage.

Now it is rare to see him smiling, joking and smiling.



2. Leaders visiting Kiev

From the first day of the war, many leaders and politicians expressed solidarity and support for Ukraine, but only a few dared to travel personally to the war zone, especially during the first weeks of the conflict.

The prime ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia were the first to meet Zelensk on March 15, bringing a message of solidarity from Europe.

Since then, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson have followed them.

3. Demonstrations for peace

People around the world have shown their support by sending aid to Ukraine and protesting against the war.

This also happened in Russia - where demonstrators could face many years in prison.

Some people went much further: like the Italian who went to Ukraine to save his wife's family.

Another Italian traveled 3,200 km to receive Ukrainian refugees and let’s not forget the thousands of volunteers in neighboring countries who accepted refugees or helped them with administrative matters.

4. Love in time of war

Some Ukrainians did not let the conflict hinder the coronation of their love.

These wartime weddings brought a message of hope for a brighter future and love that triumphed during tragedies.

One of the most touching stories is that of Balandina.

The 23-year-old nurse lost both her legs in a landmine explosion in eastern Ukraine on March 27.

But she had her first dance with her husband in the hospital.

5. Musicians fighting for their country

People found a way to show their support for Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest where Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra won thanks to votes from European viewers.

The musicians then auctioned off their trophy for 836,000 euros to help supply the drone to the Ukrainian army.

Members of Antytila, a Ukrainian group whose video clip in 2018 featured then-comedian Zelensky, joined the Ukrainian army to fight for their countries.

Their inspiring story made English singer Ed Sheeran agree to perform at a benefit concert when asked - and even did a song together.

6. Foreign musicians who help to relieve pain

U2 Bono frontman and guitarist The Edge were invited by the Ukrainian president to go to Kiev where they gave a concert at a subway station on May 8th.

David Martello, an Italian pianist, traveled to the Ukrainian-Polish border in the early days of the war to give a musical welcome to people leaving their homes.

7. Discovery of unusual heroes

Several unexpected heroes appeared, including a kitchen cupboard and a ceramic rooster that became impossible symbols of resistance.

She was inspired by the discovery in the Ukrainian city of Borodianka of a Vasylkiv rooster (a ceramic pot in the shape of a rooster, made in Ukraine) sitting in an intact kitchen cabinet amid the rubble of a building.

In early March, a story went viral about a grandmother in Kiev who claimed to have shot down a Russian drone by throwing a jar of pickled tomatoes at her.

The unverified symbol of civic creativity inspired the Ukrainian resistance.

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8. Patron, one of the youngest heroes

One of the most delightful Ukrainian heroes is Patron, a dog who discovers landmines.

On May 8, the Ukrainian president presented a medal to the four-legged 'soldier' ​​and his owner, to commend their service.

At the time, Jack Russell Terrier had discovered more than 200 explosives.

They received the award at a press conference in Kiev with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The guard barked and shook his tail as Trudeau petted his pockets as if asking for a gift for the dog.

9. Best friends are not left behind

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, some 6.5 million Ukrainians have fled the country since February 24.

Many of them could not leave without their beloved animals, and we have seen pictures of refugees fleeing with their cats, dogs, and even turtles.

One such story was the evacuation of more than 120 golden retrievers from Odessa to Chisinau, the capital of Moldova.

10. Farmers receiving Russian tanks

Another impossible symbol of Ukrainian resistance were Ukrainian farmers who took Russian tanks.

Someone even modified a well-known Russian cartoon to tell their stories.

The blue tractor that sang while dragging a Russian tank with the Z symbol behind it went viral.

In the original cartoon, tractors of different colors pull locomotives with different animals on them and viewers have to guess the animal by the sound it emits.

/ Telegraphy /

Even Ukrainian cartoons are getting in on the action pic.twitter.com/jAoyNlD8vw

- Marcus Moody (@_MJMoody_) March 26, 2022