Oleksandra Kozlova

Meet Olexandra Kozlova. She lived her whole life in Kherson and worked as a technologist at the state-owned enterprise “Dnipro-Semiconductors,” which was engaged in the production of electronic equipment and radio components. After the death of her husband, she has lived alone for the last sixteen years.

At 83 years old, Olexandra has had to endure the horrors of more than one war. Before the start of World War II, little Olexandra had a home, loving parents, and an elderly nanny. But in an instant, the war took away her happy childhood, and Olexandra, along with her mother and nanny, found themselves on the street, searching for shelter. Thanks to kind-hearted people who took in the three of them, Olexandra spent some time living in a stranger’s house, on the stove. To her, this place felt like the coziest and warmest spot on earth. But the enemy would not allow her to truly feel safe in the new place.

After the advancing troops and shelling of their village, the family, along with the homeowners, fled to an unoccupied village and hid in an abandoned stable. However, this relatively safer place was so overcrowded with people that the little girl had to sleep on cold, damp ground for a long time. Since then, Olexandra has struggled with health problems, both with her back and legs.

Now, as if in a terrible dream, the horrific memories of her childhood are repeating. But this time, at her old age, Olexandra Kozlova is enduring the occupation, terrifying shelling, the deaths of loved ones and acquaintances, and the loss of a safe place to live. At first, there was a sense of shock, followed by despair and hopelessness. After constant shelling and the loss of so many people, the house was left with only her and her neighbor, who had a bedridden mother. It was this woman who took care of Olexandra. She arranged for her to be transferred to the shelter in the village of Voynyliv, convinced Olexandra to leave the dangerous area, and promised her peace and safety — things the elderly woman had not experienced for a long time.

“I am very grateful for the care and warmth I receive at the shelter. I am safe here. The people and staff are so sincere and kind. I’ve already calmed down a bit and am starting to forget what it’s like to flinch every time there’s shelling,” shares Ms. Oleksandra.

“Although there are many heavy and anxious thoughts in her heart, throughout the conversation, Ms. Oleksandra sincerely smiles and believes that by supporting each other, we will overcome any life challenges and greet the long-awaited victory with happy smiles.”