A Young Life Lost in Ukraine's War: Adriana's Story
In the midst of war, a young life was tragically cut short. Adriana, a 12-year-old girl from western Ukraine, passed away nine days after a Russian strike hit her family's apartment building.
A Family Torn Apart
- Adriana's mother did not survive the initial attack.
- Her sister remains hospitalized.
- The mayor of Ternopil, Serhii Nadal, shared his condolences, stating that Adriana is now in a peaceful place, free from fear and explosions, reunited with her mother.
A Bright Spirit Lost
Adriana was known for her kindness and bright spirit, loved by her classmates and teachers alike. Her school described her as a cheerful child with a warm smile.
The Attack on Ternopil
The attack on Ternopil last week shattered the perception of safety in western Ukraine. Russian forces targeted two apartment blocks, resulting in:
- 35 deaths, including seven children.
- Numerous injuries.
Adriana's family home was one of the buildings struck.
A Deadly Assault
The large-scale attack was one of the deadliest in western Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia fired:
- Hundreds of drones.
- Dozens of missiles.
A United Nations report highlighted a significant increase in Russia's use of long-range weapons in 2025, leading to a spike in civilian casualties in Ukrainian cities.
Other Victims of the Strikes
Amelia Hrzesko and Oksana
- Amelia, a seven-year-old girl, and her mother Oksana were also killed in the attack.
- Amelia's school described the heartbreaking scene of the two hugging each other as they were burned alive by a Russian missile.
- The school mourned the loss of a bright girl who will never return to her desk or hug her classmates again.
Kamila, Nazar, and Maria
- Kamila (aged five) and Nazar (aged one) were also killed in the attack alongside their mother Maria.
- Their father Kamal survived and carried a tiny coffin to their funeral.
- The Ukrainian foreign ministry shared a video of Kamal, emphasizing the unbearable human cost of Russia's war and calling for an end to the atrocities.
