Heroes Rise Amid the Flames in Kharkiv
A heartbreaking scene turned into a symbol of courage in Kharkiv, Ukraine, when a Russian drone struck a kindergarten, trapping 48 young children inside. Amid the smoke and falling debris, Major-General Oleksandr Volobuev of Ukraine’s Civil Protection Service became a national hero after carrying a little girl to safety — her small pink shoes peeking from his coat.
The haunting image spread rapidly across social media, reflecting the growing toll of Russia’s invasion and Ukraine’s unbreakable spirit.
The Call That Changed Everything
“When we heard a kindergarten was under attack, we didn’t think — we just ran,” Volobuev said.
He and his rescue team rushed into the burning building, battling smoke and shattered glass, determined to save every child.
What they found was chaos: a destroyed roof, raging fire, and terrified children huddled underground. But through fear and flames, each rescuer carried a child to safety — one after another.
A Day of True Heroism
Press officer Fedir Uhnenko, normally behind a desk, dropped his camera and joined the rescue effort.
“There was fear in their eyes,” he recalled. “But even through the destruction, those children were incredibly brave.”
Uhnenko himself was seen carrying a young boy through the rubble, whispering words of comfort as explosions echoed nearby. His body camera footage later went viral, capturing the world’s attention.
No Military Target — Just Innocent Lives
The Honey Academy Kindergarten, a sturdy two-storey building in Kharkiv’s Kholodnohirsky district, had no military presence nearby. Despite Russia’s claims of not targeting civilians, Ukrainian officials insist the attack was deliberate.
“There is no excuse for bombing a kindergarten,” said President Volodymyr Zelensky. “This shows how bold and ruthless Russia has become.”
Resilience in the Face of Darkness
Though 48 children were saved unharmed, one adult was killed and several others seriously injured.
Even after the rescue, danger remained — as Russia has been known to strike the same spot twice to target emergency teams.
Still, Volobuev and his men refused to retreat. “We must go through all this and win,” he said. “I only wish for peace — not just for our children, but for all children.”