Sisters Katya and Yulia lived in Druzhkivka in the Donetsk region. In 2014, the
war entered their lives. Together with their mother, aunt and grandmother, they tried to
however, to live peacefully and stay in their hometown until the large-scale invasion
began. For a month and a half, they endured constant shelling and
explosions. When they realised they could no longer stay at home, they decided to
evacuate to relatives in the western part of the country.
On that fateful day on 8 April, they left for Kramatorsk to take the evacuation train
take. While waiting for the train, they often went outside to get tea and
warm up. At that time, when Katya and her mother went to get tea, the
Russian forces launched a rocket attack on the Kramatorsk train station. Several
missiles hit the building and explosions destroyed part of the station. In front of
eyes of Katya, her mother was killed. A stranger covered Katya with his body
to save her life, but he died. Katya sustained numerous shrapnel wounds to
both legs. Some shrapnel wounds were removed, but other pieces will
remain forever. Long-term treatment and ongoing rehabilitation await her
awaits.
As a result of the tragedy in Kramatorsk, 61 people were killed and more
than 100 injured, including children and the elderly who were just trying to evacuate. This
was yet another bloody crime by Russia against peaceful citizens.
At the time, Katya was only 12 years old and Yulia 8. In an instant, the girls had been
left without their mother and their lives were divided into ‘before’ and ‘after’. They
have a very hard time dealing with the loss of their mother and have to adjust to a
new reality.
During this period, the girls are supported by the Children of Heroes of
Ukraine. In particular, Yulia has received a tablet, which has become an indispensable tool for
online learning has become. This has helped her to continue her education despite
the difficult circumstances. Thanks to this support, the girls are able to progress
with their recovery and not fall behind in their studies.
Above all, the sisters dream of Ukraine’s victory in the war and hope to never
hear air alarm sirens again.