In the midst of war, a 98-year-old Ukrainian woman named Lidia Stepanivna Lomikovska refused to let the Russians take over her village in eastern Ukraine. With nothing but her slippers and walking stick, she bravely walked almost ten kilometers on foot alone, determined to reach safety.
Lomikovska had been living in the Donetsk region for two years, witnessing firsthand the fighting between Russian forces and Ukrainian soldiers. When the situation became too dangerous for her and her family, they decided to flee. Unfortunately, in the chaos of their departure, Lomikovska became separated from her son and two daughters-in-law.
Despite this setback, Lomikovska continued on her journey with unwavering determination. She walked for an entire day without food or water before eventually being noticed by Ukrainian soldiers patrolling a nearby road at night. They turned her over to the White Angels, a police force responsible for evacuating civilians on the front lines. Lomikovska was then transferred to a shelter where she was finally reunited with her family members.
The journey had taken its toll on Lomikovska’s body and spirit. She fell twice along the way and had to sleep sporadically due to lack of shelter. Despite these challenges, she remained determined to keep moving forward towards safety. In recognition of her bravery and resilience, Monobank, one of Ukraine’s largest banks, announced that they would purchase a house for her to spend her old age comfortably.
For Lomikovska, this war was much worse than anything she had experienced during World War II. She expressed that she had never felt so helpless and scared in all her life. Yet despite everything she faced, she remained determined to keep going until she reached safety.
Lomikovska’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit in times of crisis. Her courage and determination serve as an inspiration not only to those around her but also as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we must continue fighting for what we believe in until it’s too late.
As we reflect on this story today, let us remember that our actions can have far-reaching consequences that affect not just ourselves but also those around us