With shells raining down and Russian forces advancing, 98-year-old Lidia Stepanivna Lumikovska made the difficult decision to leave her home in the village of Ocheretyne in eastern Ukraine and walk around 6 miles to safety. In a video released by Ukraine’s National Police and the country’s interior ministry, Lumikovska recounted her journey, stating that she survived World War II and is now enduring this current war. She described the chaos in her village, stating that “scary things are happening there.” It was not clear exactly when Lumikovska began her journey, but it is likely it was on Friday or Saturday. Separated from her son and daughter-in-law, she had to navigate her own way to safety, propping herself up with a cane and walking stick. Despite wearing an oversized coat and blue house slippers, she persevered, taking breaks to rest and sleep along the way.
Police officers estimated that Lumikovska walked approximately 6 miles, meandering from place to place as she made her way to safety. Ukrainian troops eventually spotted her, and a police unit dedicated to rescuing individuals from front lines was dispatched to retrieve her on Saturday night. She was taken to an evacuation shelter and reunited with her granddaughter, who had evacuated from Ocheretyne several weeks prior. This reunion provided Lumikovska with some sense of comfort after enduring a harrowing journey and being separated from her family members. The village of Semenivka, located just south of Ocheretyne, fell to Russian forces on Monday, underscoring the ongoing threat faced by those residing in areas close to the front lines.
The conflict in Ukraine has persisted for several years, resulting in a heavy toll on the country’s civilian population. While exact figures are difficult to ascertain, the United Nations has reported that more than 10,000 civilians have died in the conflict, with the actual number likely being much higher. Additionally, an estimated 3.7 million people have been internally displaced within Ukraine, and approximately 6.5 million individuals have fled the country as refugees. Many individuals, especially older adults like Lumikovska, have chosen to remain in their homes despite the dangers posed by the ongoing fighting, highlighting the deep attachment to their communities and reluctance to leave until the threat is imminent.
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine after months of resistance, but the delays have left Ukraine with severe ammunition shortages, leaving its defensive lines vulnerable to Russian advances. Russian-backed separatists have been engaged in battle with Ukrainian forces in Donetsk and Luhansk since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Russian President Vladimir Putin officially annexed the Donbas region in September 2022, further exacerbating the conflict between the two nations. The ongoing military conflict has created uncertainty and insecurity for those living near the front lines, prompting the Ukrainian government to encourage evacuations to ensure the safety of its citizens.
For individuals like Lidia Stepanivna Lumikovska, the future remains uncertain and daunting. Having endured the challenges of war throughout her life, she now faces an uncertain path forward with no possessions or security. The resilience and determination displayed by Lumikovska in facing the dangers of conflict and embarking on a perilous journey to safety serve as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to endure adversity and hardship. As the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold, the plight of civilians like Lumikovska underscores the urgent need for international support and humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering and displacement experienced by those affected by war.
