Arnaud De Decker after nearly 5 years of war reporting in Ukraine: "I no longer recognized myself"

Journalist Arnaud De Decker reflects on his nearly five years covering the war in Ukraine, expressing how it has profoundly changed him. Initially drawn to Ukraine just before the war began, he struggled with the stark contrast between life in Brussels and the realities of conflict. De Decker describes the psychological toll of returning home, feeling disconnected from family and friends. He highlights the ongoing fear among Ukrainians, sharing stories of friends living in constant anxiety. Despite the challenges, he finds solace in small moments of normalcy, like visiting a zoo or jogging without his phone, which serves as a form of escape from the war's harsh realities.