98-Year-Old Ukrainian Woman Braves Russian Shelling, Walks 10KM To Escape Moscow-Occupied Territory

In a remarkable display of resilience, a 98-year-old Ukrainian woman has reportedly walked 10km under shelling to escape the Russian-occupied territory of Donetsk, as per a video posted by Ukraine’s police.

What Happened: The elderly woman, identified as Lidia Stepanivna, left Ocheretyne in Donetsk, now under Russian control, in an attempt to reach areas governed by Kyiv, Reuters reported on Tuesday. She endured the journey without food or water, supporting herself with sticks and sleeping on the ground.

Stepanivna, who also survived World War Two, was found by Ukraine’s military and handed over to the police. She was then taken to a shelter for evacuees.

“I’m left with nothing. But I left my Ukraine on feet,” she said in the video.

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Why It Matters: Stepanivna’s harrowing journey underscores the dire situation in Ukraine, now in its third year of war with Russia. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, widespread destruction, and the displacement of millions. The Ukraine’s interior ministry said law enforcement officers are currently searching for Stepanivna’s relatives.

The conflict has intensified in the eastern front, with Ukrainian troops retreating west of three villages on Monday where Russian forces have amassed in significant numbers.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged international partners to expedite arms deliveries to help maintain positions and disrupt Russian plans. Meanwhile, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk voiced his disapproval of a proposed security agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine, warning of a “forever war.”

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Photo by Tomas Ragina on Shutterstock