Sofiia and her mother were hit by a Russian shell on August 24, 2024. The explosion happened right behind the wall. Shrapnel and stones flew at the girl and her mother. Her mother was partially buried, her right eye was hit and her legs were injured. Sofiia helped her get out from under the stones. Then they got out through the window.

Despite her injured leg and chest, Sofiia also managed to save her dog from the house. Unfortunately, her second pet died in the explosion.

Then the girl was taken to a local hospital, and her mother was sent to Dnipro.

Sofiia had nowhere to go back to - her home had burned down. The months ahead were mentally and physically difficult. But she survived and is now helping her mother recover. It's hard to say what's next, because as long as the war is on, Sofiia cannot make long-term plans.