Our Brave Children

Maksym Terendii
Maksym is a thoughtful and calm boy who is still discovering his interests and learning to understand the world around him. Like many children growing up during the war, Maksym has had to mature faster than his peers, carrying worries that no child should have.
Ihor Terendii - his father - was mobilized in the summer of 2024 and joined the 36th Marine Brigade, 501st Battalion. He served as a senior rifleman and armored personnel carrier operator, taking part in demanding combat missions. On November 21, 2024, during a combat mission near the settlement of Daryino, contact with him was lost. He is currently listed as missing in action. Since that day, Maksym and his family have been living in uncertainty, holding on to hope and waiting for news.

Anastasiia Nykolyshyn
Anastasiia is a gentle five-year-old girl with a warm smile and a kind heart. She is still discovering the world around her — through care, love, and the closeness of her family. Despite her young age, her life has already been touched by loss. She grows up carrying her father’s memory in her heart, surrounded by those who strive to give her warmth, safety, and hope for the future.
Her father, Artur-Marian Nykolyshyn, devoted himself to defending Ukraine during the most difficult times. He served in areas of intense fighting, including Bakhmut and Lyman, standing firm for his country and its people. The strain of war took a heavy toll on his health. On April 5, 2023, Artur-Marian passed away in a hospital during a surgical operation.

Maksym Nykolyshyn
Maksym is a kind and bright six-year-old boy with a gentle heart. He looks at the world with trust and warmth and dreams of growing up to be like his father — strong, brave, and caring.
His father, Artur-Marian Nykolyshyn, was a devoted defender of Ukraine. He served in some of the most difficult areas, including Bakhmut and Lyman, standing firmly for his country. Artur-Marian gave his health and ultimately his life in service to Ukraine. On April 5, 2023, he passed away in a hospital during a surgical operation.

Tetiana Terendii
Tetiana is a kind and bright young girl who values learning and works hard at school. She is especially interested in English and spends a lot of time improving her language skills, dreaming about her future despite the uncertainty she lives with today.
Her father, Ihor Тerendii, was mobilized on July 30, 2024. He serves in the 36th Marine Brigade, 501st Battalion, as a senior rifleman and armored personnel carrier operator (M113).
Ihor took part in combat operations, including the Kursk operation. On November 21, 2024, during a combat mission near the settlement of Daryino, contact with him was lost. He is currently listed as missing in action.

Artem Pastushchak
Artem is a thoughtful and focused boy who truly loves playing chess. The game teaches him patience, strategy, and concentration — qualities that help him grow stronger and more confident every day.
His father, Vitalii Pastushchak, stepped forward to defend Ukraine in 2022. He was killed during an artillery strike in the Luhansk region while protecting his homeland.

Roman Ivantsov
Roman is an active and energetic boy who loves football. He regularly trains, travels to football tournaments, and also enjoys playing table tennis. In addition, Roman attends extra English classes, showing curiosity and determination to grow and learn.
His father was among those who stepped forward to defend Ukraine from the very first days of the full-scale war. On May 4, 2022, at the age of 35, he was killed in action while protecting his country. He was posthumously awarded the Order “For Courage” (III degree) and honored as an Honorary Citizen of the city of Dubno. He is laid to rest at the Alley of Glory in Dubno.

Alina Havryliak
Alina is the eldest daughter of Volodymyr. She is a gentle and bright girl who truly loves dancing. Through movement and rhythm, she expresses her emotions, finds strength, and keeps moving forward.
Her father, Volodymyr Havryliak, began his service in February 2023 with the 420th Separate Rifle Battalion, serving as a driver in a machine gun platoon. He was killed on June 20, 2023, near the village of Khromove in the Bakhmut district. Volodymyr was posthumously awarded the Medal “For Courage” and the “Combatant’s Cross.”

Alisa Solodka
Alisa is a little girl whose childhood began during the war. She is still very young, discovering the world through love, care, and the warmth of her family. Her eyes remind us that behind every name there is a family — and behind every child, a story of loss, strength, and hope.
Alisa`s father stepped forward to defend Ukraine in 2022. He was killed in the Donetsk region, in the city of Dobropillia, while protecting his country.

Olha-Renata Ivantsova
Olha-Renata is a strong and focused young girl who is passionate about martial arts. She practices wushu, takes part in competitions, and shows discipline and determination beyond her years. Alongside sports, she also studies English and German, expanding her knowledge and opening doors to the future.
Her father gave his life defending Ukraine on May 4, 2022, at the age of 35. He was posthumously awarded the Order “For Courage” (III degree) and named an Honorary Citizen of the city of Dubno. He is laid to rest at the Alley of Glory in Dubno.

Mariika Velychko
Mariika is a little girl whose life has begun in the shadow of war, but surrounded by love and strength. She is the granddaughter of Mykola Velychko, a defender of Ukraine who has been held in captivity for more than three years.
Mykola has been defending Ukraine since 2016. He began his service with the 28th Brigade, survived several injuries, and after completing his contract returned home to his family. But when the enemy came to Ukrainian land again, he could not stay aside. He returned to the front — this time as part of the Marine Corps. In 2022, during the defense of Mariupol, Mykola was taken prisoner. For three years, his family and friends have been writing to every possible organization, doing everything they can to bring him home.
Mykola has never seen his granddaughter in person, but he knows about her, thinks of her, and holds on to hope. Both Mariika’s grandmother and her father are currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, defending the south of the country.

Sofiia Svitenko
Sofiia is a bright and gentle girl who truly loves dancing. She trains professionally and finds joy, freedom, and confidence in every movement. Dance is her way of expressing emotions and staying strong.
Her father, Serhii, stepped forward to defend Ukraine. He is currently listed as missing in action, and the family continues to live with hope and painful uncertainty.

Viktoriia Voloshyna
Viktoriia is a young girl who is currently bedridden due to illness and requires ongoing medical care and treatment. Her days are quiet and challenging, and she depends on constant support and attention.
Her father, Ivan, is a defender of Ukraine. On May 15, 2025, he went missing while carrying out a combat mission with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Since then, the family has been living in painful uncertainty, holding on to hope.

Sviatoslav Yurkiv
Sviatoslav is studying to become an auto mechanic. He is focused on gaining a profession and building an independent future despite very difficult life circumstances. His mother left the family, and today Sviatoslav is being raised by his 76-year-old grandfather, who remains his main support and caregiver.
His father, Volodymyr, joined the Right Sector in 2014 and defended the Donetsk airport. He sustained severe injuries and a concussion during the fighting. In February 2022, Volodymyr went missing near Kramatorsk while defending Ukraine, and has since been listed as missing.

Mykhailo Bohun
Mykhailo is a focused and curious boy who studies successfully and has a strong interest in mathematics and English. He enjoys learning, loves fishing, and looks toward the future with determination and quiet strength.
His father, Eduard Kerimov, stepped up to defend Ukraine at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. He served in the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo, within the Operational Command “West” of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Even in his final moments, Eduard managed to provide medical aid to a fellow soldier. He was killed while defending Ukraine’s independence near the village of Vovchorivka in the Luhansk region.

Olena Ponizovska
Olena is a strong and determined young athlete who trains professionally in taekwondo. Through discipline and hard work, she has already become a winner of many competitions, proving that perseverance leads to victory.
Her father currently serves in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. While he defends the country, Olena continues to fight her own battles — on the mat, with courage, focus, and belief in herself.

Sviatoslav Pochernin
Sviatoslav is an active, energetic boy who loves football — he trains every single day and dreams only of getting better. His determination and bright character reflect the strength of the Hero whose legacy he carries.
His father began defending Ukraine in 2015 during the Anti-Terrorist Operation. In 2020, he graduated from the National Academy of Land Forces in Lviv and became the senior commander of the 2nd platoon of the 14th Mechanized Brigade.
He was killed on the Kharkiv frontline while protecting Ukraine.

Maksym Maliiskyi
Maksym is a gentle and imaginative boy with a bright creative mind. He loves drawing, immerses himself in music, and sees the world through vivid colors and sounds. Even at such a young age, his talent shines — and so does his sensitivity. Maksym continues to create, dream, and express himself through art — carrying the memory of his father in every melody and every drawing.
His father become a defender in the Armed Forces in 2022. On June 2, 2024, he was killed in the Donetsk region while defending Ukraine.

Yaryna Solodka
Yaryna is a talented and dedicated young pianist. She studies music professionally, wins competitions, and truly lives through every note she plays. Her dream is deeply personal — to compose a melody dedicated to her father.
Her father stepped up as a defender of Ukraine on February 26, 2022.
A year later, he heroically gave his life on the Donetsk frontline.

Matvii Lakhman
Matvii is a gentle and bright boy with special developmental needs. Though he is seven, his development corresponds to that of a much younger child, and he currently does not speak. Matvii urgently requires ongoing medical care and support.
His father went to defend Ukraine in 2023. During combat he was captured, and since then the family has had no confirmed information about him. He is considered missing.

Karolina Kozyreva
Karolina is a bright and motivated girl who loves studying. She is passionate about English and mathematics and always strives to learn more. Despite her young age, she carries a story marked by great loss — and an even greater strength. Yet Karolina continues to dream. She dreams of having her own home and, above all, of peace in Ukraine.
Her father joined the Marine Corps in 2023 and gave his life near the village of Urozhayne in the Zaporizhzhia region. Her godfather and uncle were also killed defending Ukraine in Mariupol.

Victoria Nishtuk
Victoria is an active and determined girl who trains in volleyball professionally and dreams of becoming a well-known athlete one day. Her strength, dedication, and discipline mirror the courage of her father — a Hero of Ukraine.
Her father, Ruslan Nishtuk, stepped forward to defend Ukraine in June 2022. He fought in the Donetsk region, near Hryhorivka in the Bakhmut district. On May 23, 2023, he heroically gave his life for his country.

Mykhailo Zherdytsky
Mykhailo loves reading, especially books about adventures and history. Sport is taking a big part of his life - he plays football and tennis. Like many kids his age, Mykhailo enjoys computer games, and he dreams of becoming a programmer.
Mykhailo’s father, Yaroslav Zherdytsky, was the Commander of an Infantry Platoon in the 47th Brigade. He gave his life defending Ukraine on June 9, 2023.

Anyutka Opanasenko
Anyutka is an energetic and creative girl. Open and joyful, she meets everything new with interest and a smile. She loves dancing and spending time with friends. Her biggest dream is to have a furry companion — a dog.
Her father, Oleksiy Opanasenko, bravely gave his life defending Ukraine in the Zaporizhzhia region on June 28, 2023.

Danylo Zherdytsky
Danylo is a positive and friendly boy. He loves drawing and also enjoys playing games with other children. He is good at tennis and hopes to start swimming lessons. Like many kids, he enjoys computer games, but his biggest dream is to become a chef.
Danylo’s father, Yaroslav Zherdytsky, was the Commander of an Infantry Platoon in the 47th Brigade. He gave his life defending Ukraine on June 9, 2023.

Elizaveta Mashina
Elizaveta is a bright girl who loves to dance, draw, and learn poems. She is sociable and enjoys being in the spotlight. Although she is little, she is interested in many things and loves trying new activities.
Her father, Junior Sergeant Sergey Mashina, died defending Ukraine near Robotino on September 11, 2023.

Oleksandr Badulin
Oleksandr is a brave and kind ten-year-old boy who is passionate about sports. He trains hard on the football field with his friends and dreams of becoming a professional player one day. Even after his father’s loss, he remains strong, brave, and hopeful for the future.
His father, Dmytro Badulin, was the Crew Commander of a Bradley in the 47th Brigade. He died defending Ukraine on July 22, 2023.

Kharideas Nazarenko
Kharideas is a kind and thoughtful boy. He enjoys swimming and playing ice hockey. He is also fond of drawing, and his notebooks are filled with airplanes and blue-and-yellow flags. Even at his young age, he already knows the hardship of living apart from his father.
His father, Sergyi Nazarenko, was a marine who fought bravely in the Kherson direction.

Vasylysa Nazarenko
Vasylysa is a talented and creative girl. She loves drawing, and her pictures are full of bright colors and warmth. She also has a strong passion for dancing. Music and dance make her happy and blossom. Vasylysa’s art and dance are a way of bringing beauty and kindness into the world.
Her father, Sergiy Nazarenko, was a Marine who fought in the Kherson direction.

Ilya Melnyk
Ilya is a clever and intelligent boy. He studies German, plays the guitar, and is writing a book based on Stalker. He is active in school life — a co-author of the exhibition “Paths of War”, host of the school radio, and deputy of his class.
His father, Andriy Melnyk, has been defending Ukraine since 2022, taking part in the Great Counteroffensive and the defense of the Zaporizhzhia region.

Yaroslav Sazhchenko
Yaroslav is a gifted and goal-oriented boy. His passion is parkour: He trains for hours without getting tired and makes his mother proud of his achievements. The freedom of movement and the challenge of overcoming obstacles are what make him truly happy. He also has a phenomenal memory that helps him in his studies.
His father died in the line of duty, protecting Ukraine.

Artur Ryaboy
Arthur is a thoughtful and smart boy. He loves reading books about history and adventure. They open new worlds for him and inspire his future goals. He wants to be educated and make a better difference for a renewed Ukraine.
His father, Mykola Ryaboy, became a volunteer in 2014 and later joined the 72nd Brigade, which in 2022 took part in the heroic defense of Kyiv.

Roman Oliynyk
Roman is a very clever boy. He loves to study. His favorite subjects are history and literature. In his free time from studies, he plays football with his peers. He is proud of his father and dreams of becoming a soldier when he grows up.
His father, Yuriy Oliynyk, was a brave warrior. Together with his brothers in arms, he went from the defense of Kyiv to the battles for Robotino and Avdiivka. He died while serving in May 2024.

Tadei Alekseev
Tadei is a cheerful second-grader full of energy and curiosity. He already plays tennis, has started folk dancing, and dreams of trying boxing and drawing as well.
His father, Mykhailo Alekseiev (callsign “Rembrandt”) was a man of courage and devotion. In March 2025, he gave his life on the Zaporizhzhia front, heroically covering a wounded brother-in-arms. Tadei’s childhood should be filled with discovery, learning, and joy.

Yesenia Melnyk
Yesenia is a gifted and disciplined girl. She loves playing the piano and drawing funny animals. Her outstanding imagination helps her create wonderful interactive books. Sport has been a big part of her life since the age of four, and she already has many awards and achievements in rhythmic gymnastics.
Her father, Andriy Melnyk, has been defending Ukraine since 2022. He took part in the Great Counteroffensive and the defense of the Zaporizhzhia region.

Matei Alekseev
Matei is the youngest in the family — a true ray of sunshine. He is the most positive, cheerful, and carefree among them, filling the home with laughter and warmth.
His father, Mykhailo Alekseiev (callsign “Rembrandt”), was a combat medic, a participant of the Orange Revolution, the Revolution of Dignity, and the Anti-Terrorist Operation. In March 2025, he gave his life on the Zaporizhzhia front, heroically covering a wounded brother-in-arms.
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Kvitoslava Hayda
Kvitoslava was born in a difficult time for the whole world. She is still very small and every day is an interesting discovery for her. The first smile, the first step, the first word. Her whole life is open to her.
Her father, Denys Hayda, has been defending Ukraine since 2014. In Ukraine, he is called a "cyborg" because he defended Donetsk airport.

Daryna Rubashevska
A cheerful and talented girl who loves to draw, practices dancing and swimming. She adores adventures and enjoys discovering new places while traveling with her mother.
Her father Dmytro Rubashevskyi (“Hans”) was fought from 2016, in the hottest spots of the frontline: Butivka, Pisky, Avdiivka, Mariupol and Azovstal. He was killed on April 12, 2022, during a combat mission in the Kharkiv region.

Lukas Alekseev
Lukas will soon turn 12 years old.
He has been dancing ballroom for 4.5 years and has already achieved incredible results: World Champion in England, 2nd place at the World Championship in the Netherlands, and finalist at every international competition he has attended.
Lukas studies well at school and dreams of fulfilling his father’s dream — to become a well-known ballroom dance coach.
His father, Mykhailo Alekseiev (callsign “Rembrandt”), was a Hero of Ukraine and a combat medic who gave his life defending his brother-in-arms on the Zaporizhzhia front in March 2025.

Melana Alekseev
Now she is in the 11th grade and dreams of studying International Relations. Melana was very close with her father, who always supported and encouraged her. Today, she is working hard to prepare for university admission, determined to achieve success and make her dream come true.
Her father, Mykhailo Alekseiev (“Rembrandt”), was a combat medic, a participant of the Orange Revolution, the Revolution of Dignity, and the Anti-Terrorist Operation. In March 2025, he gave his life on the Zaporizhzhia front, heroically covering a wounded brother-in-arms.

Olivia Starkina
Little Olivia is a brave girl who already knows what love and waiting mean. Her grandfather has been defending Ukraine for the third year in a row.
Olivia loves to draw, and her colorful drawings travel to the frontlines, bringing warmth and memories of home to her grandfather.
She doesn’t like taking photos, but her eyes speak of love, longing, and a child’s hope for peace.

Volodymyr Kapustiak
Volodymyr is a curious and bright boy who loves to play, build, and explore the world around him. His smile brings warmth to everyone nearby — a small reflection of the courage and kindness he inherited from his father.
His father, Yuriy Kapustyak, was a participant in the Russian-Ukrainian war. He went from an ordinary soldier to the commander of the 1st Separate Assault Battalion named after the Hero of Ukraine “Da Vinci.”
A true leader and patriot, he is a Knight of the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, awarded the Order “For Courage” (3rd degree) and the title of People’s Hero of Ukraine.
Volodymyr grows up surrounded by love and support, carrying in his heart the strength of his father’s legacy. With our help, he can have a childhood filled with care, learning, and new dreams.

Tadei Alekseiev
Little Olivia is a brave girl who already knows what love and waiting mean. Her grandfather has been defending Ukraine for the third year in a row.
Olivia loves to draw, and her colorful drawings travel to the frontlines, bringing warmth and memories of home to her grandfather.
She doesn’t like taking photos, but her eyes speak of love, longing, and a child’s hope for peace.

Kypriyan Alekseiev
Kypriyan is a kind and intelligent boy who studies well at school and loves swimming and playing tennis. In the future, he dreams of becoming a doctor — to help others, just like his Hero father once did.
His father, Mykhailo Alekseiev (callsign “Rembrandt”), was a combat medic, a participant in the Orange Revolution, the Revolution of Dignity, and the Anti-Terrorist Operation. In March 2025, he gave his life on the Zaporizhzhia front, heroically shielding a wounded brother-in-arms.
Every time we meet Kypriyan, we see the same warmth and quiet strength his father carried. His bright eyes reflect courage and kindness — the legacy of a Hero.

Tetiana Yarova
Tetiana is the eldest daughter of a Ukrainian defender. She is bright, motivated, and full of curiosity. She loves learning foreign languages — English and Spanish — and enjoys reading fiction in English. Her notebooks are filled with thoughts, notes, and dreams for the future.
Her father, Vitalii Yarovyi, has been defending Ukraine since 2022. He fought bravely in the Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions. During a fierce battle in Donetsk, fewer than ten soldiers from his unit made it out alive — Vitalii, their commander, among them. His courage and leadership continue to inspire everyone who knows his story.
Despite all challenges, Tetiana keeps moving forward — inspired by her father’s strength and guided by her own love for learning and hope for peace.

Vlad Yarovyi
Vlad is a thoughtful and creative young boy. He loves reading novels in Ukrainian and has a deep appreciation for stories about courage and kindness. Along with his love for books, Vlad is mastering the art of hairstyling — a craft that lets him express his creativity and care for others.
His father, Vitalii Yarovyi, has been defending Ukraine since 2022. He fought bravely in the Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions. During a fierce battle in Donetsk, fewer than ten soldiers from his unit survived — among them was Vitalii, their commander. His courage continues to inspire his children every day.

Yevhen Yarovyi
Yevhen is the younger son in the Yarovyi family — a bright and thoughtful boy who loves building LEGO, painting by numbers, and playing football. His curiosity and creativity make every day a new discovery.
His father, Vitalii Yarovyi, has been defending Ukraine since 2022. He fought bravely in the Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions. During a fierce battle in Donetsk, fewer than ten soldiers from his unit survived — and Vitalii, their commander, was among them. His courage and resilience continue to guide and inspire his children every day.

The «Brave Children of Ukraine» foundation now supports more than 200 children
and we simply cannot publish stories about each one fast enough.