98-year-old Ukrainian woman traverses 10 kilometers amidst shelling to evade Russian occupation



A spirited 98-year-old Ukrainian journeyed a remarkable 10 kilometers, navigating through the harrowing backdrop of shelling, using sticks for support, and enduring nights under the open sky. Departing from Ocheretyne, situated in the now Russian-occupied Donetsk, her resilient determination aimed to reach territories under Kyiv's control.

In a poignant video shared by Ukraine's law enforcement on social platforms, the indomitable Lidia Stepanivna recounted her arduous trek, devoid of sustenance or hydration, stumbling yet propelled forward by an unyielding resolve. Clad in an ample coat and a headscarf, a testament to her endurance, she sat on a shelter bed, a wooden staff still clutched in her weathered hand. "I survived the crucible of World War Two, and now I navigate this current turmoil," she reflected, underscoring the contrasting landscapes of conflict.

This extraordinary narrative unfolded as the aged protagonist, discovered amidst the chaos by Ukraine's vigilant military forces, found herself ushered to safety under the care of local law enforcement and aid workers. Amidst the backdrop of conflagration and upheaval, her poignant words echoed, "Homes ablaze, nature's sanctuary desecrated," painting a vivid picture of the turmoil plaguing her homeland.

As Ukraine's interior ministry mobilized efforts to locate her kin, the precise moment of her discovery remained undisclosed. Yet, her odyssey serves as a stark reminder of the protracted conflict's toll - a conflict that has exacted a heavy toll in lives lost, communities ravaged, and a populace displaced, now entrenched in its third year with no resolution in sight.

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