Helping children through the trauma of war

Date: 21/05/2026
The war in the Ukraine continues to impact children’s lives - causing deep loss and an urgent need for long-term recovery support. One of these stories is the story of Liliia.

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When four-year-old Liliia’s home in Bakhmut was hit by a missile strike, she was left with devastating injuries. But thanks to the care of our rehabilitation team, she’s learning to walk again and making remarkable progress.

Strength, healing and hope

We were almost out… and then there was an explosion.” October 2022, Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast. 

Liliia’s family was preparing to evacuate. In a split second, everything changed. A missile strike left the four-year-old girl severely injured. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors fought to save her life. 

Today, Liliia plays, smiles, and dreams of racing. She loves to draw and continues to fight for her health and future, step by step. 

In March this year, our partners at the  Modrychi Medical Rehabilitation Center – who work with children with severe war-related injuries – reached out to us for support. We did not hesitate. 

Thanks to the support of SOS Children’s Villages Ukraine, Liliia is now undergoing her second course of rehabilitation. 

Since 2023, in partnership with Modrychi, 54 children affected by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine have received comprehensive rehabilitation care. Because every child has the right to health and a childhood – even in the darkest times. 

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