The tragic story of Anna Haidarzhy and her 4-month-old son, Tymofii, who were killed in a Russian drone attack in Odesa, Ukraine, in March 2022, has captured the hearts of many in Ukraine. Anna’s husband, Serhii Haidarzhy, survived the attack with their 2-year-old daughter, Lizi, while holding out hope that his wife and son would be found alive. The couple’s love story and family life, documented extensively on Instagram, now serve as a poignant reminder of the devastation caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The couple met at a Baptist summer camp in 2020 and quickly fell in love, getting married in a ceremony Anna designed herself. They welcomed Lizi and Tymofii into their lives as the war in Ukraine escalated, with Odesa coming under near-daily attack. Despite the dangers, the couple tried to continue living life to the fullest, enjoying walks along the estuary near their home and spending time with their children. However, tragedy struck on March 2 when a Russian drone attack destroyed their apartment building, taking the lives of Anna and Tymofii.
Serhii Haidarzhy’s harrowing experience of searching for his wife and son in the rubble of their home, only to discover their bodies, has left him grappling with grief and loss. He now faces the task of helping Lizi cope with the loss of her mother and brother, while trying to come to terms with the tragedy himself. The deaths of Anna and Tymofii have also stirred painful memories for Anna’s family, who have a history of persecution and oppression under Soviet rule.
The funeral for Anna and Tymofii drew a large crowd, with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine expected to attend, but he had to cancel due to a Russian missile attack in Odesa that killed five people. The sound of the missile explosion during the funeral served as a stark reminder of the ongoing violence in Ukraine and the toll it has taken on innocent civilians. Reflecting on his life during a separate memorial, Serhii Haidarzhy expressed disbelief at the loss of his wife and son, highlighting the suddenness and pain of their deaths.
The tragic story of the Haidarzhy family has resonated widely in Ukraine, with many people mourning the loss of Anna and Tymofii. Their deaths serve as a tragic symbol of the devastating impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has claimed the lives of thousands of civilians. Serhii Haidarzhy’s grief and struggle to come to terms with the loss of his loved ones reflect the pain and suffering experienced by many Ukrainians in the face of relentless attacks and destruction. The Haidarzhy family’s story stands as a testament to the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity.
