Roman Oleksiv is a child whose name has become a symbol of resilience. The world knows him as the boy “in the protective mask.”  Because of severe facial burns, he did not take it off for nearly two years. After a Russian missile strike on Vinnytsia in July 2022, he lost his mother, Halyna, and suffered serious injuries.

Roman has undergone 36 complex surgeries and long-term treatment abroad. His father Yaroslav has been by his side all along the way. Together, they decided to share their story with the Museum of Civilian Voices. 

They gave testimony to document this story, so that the world would know what is happening to Ukrainian children during the war, and so that the memory of Halyna would not fade.

After the injury, doctors gave no prognosis at all. They spoke of loss of mobility, of the inability to walk, of constant pain. However, Roman pulled through! After four years of treatment and rehabilitation, he achieved remarkable results! For example, he finished the Boston Marathon. Together with his father, he ran five kilometres.

Roman has become a voice for Ukrainian children on the international stage. He has spoken at the European Parliament, met with the Pope, and become the subject of a documentary film. At the same time, he remains an ordinary child. He is gradually returning to music and dancing. And he dreams of a musical career: to become one of the best accordionists.