With the future in mind, we have been asking children across Ukraine what they wish for in 2026. Their answers are moving and often far from what one would normally expect from a child. We wanted to share a few of their drawings below — simple expressions of what they hope the new year will bring.

Our hope is that, together, we can continue working so that, in time, their dreams return to toys, games, and friendship, rather than wishes for quiet nights, electricity, or safety.

Drawing of a cat looking out the window at buildings. Below the drawing is text that says: “I dream to always have light and quiet nights in our country” .
“I dream to always have light and quiet nights in our country.” Iehor, 8 years old, Verhnyodniprovsk, Dnipro Region.
Drawing of a child with their family. Below the drawing is text that says: “I dream that my family will always be together”.
“I dream that my family will always be together.” Mariia, 9 years old, Trostyanets, Sumy Region.
Drawing of a child sleeping in bed. Below the drawing is text that says: “I dream to sleep through the whole night without air-raid alarms”.
“I dream to sleep through the whole night without air-raid alarms.” Anastasiya, 5 years old, Pereshchepyne, Dnipro Region.
Drawing of two people hugging the earth. Below the drawing is text that says: “My dream is for all countries to have peace and to see again all my friends who are now in other cities”.
“My dream is for all countries to have peace and to see again all my friends who are now in other cities.” Kseniia, 10 years old, Novopokrovka, Kharkiv Region.
Drawing of a child looking at a sheep. Below the drawing is text that says: “I dream for the war to end and for everyone to stay alive people and animals”.
“I dream for the war to end and for everyone to stay alive people and animals.” Anastasiia, 5 years old, Tsarychanka, Dnipro Region.

If you are able, I invite you to consider making a donation today to help UNICEF continue reaching children in Ukraine through this winter. Your support can help provide warmth, safe water, and critical services when families need them most.

As we enter the new year, I hope we can continue this journey of serving children with renewed strength and energy.

Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative to Ukraine