The narrative traces the poignant life and death of Liudmyla Zarutska, an elderly woman whose life was abruptly ended by a Russian drone strike in Kyiv. It reflects not only on her personal story but also on the broader implications of Russia's ongoing military strategies in the conflict.
The Tragic Costs of War: The Story of Liudmyla Zarutska
The Tragic Costs of War: The Story of Liudmyla Zarutska
A retrospective look into the harrowing impact of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as embodied by the tragic fate of Liudmyla Zarutska, an 80-year-old woman caught in the crossfire of war.
As dusk fell on March 22, 2025, Liudmyla Zarutska, an 80-year-old cleaning staff member at Kyiv’s Palace of Children and Youth, returned home for what should have been a peaceful evening. The upcoming retirement set for April 1 filled her with hope; she envisioned spending more time with family and enjoying the warmth of spring. However, on that fateful evening, as she settled down in her cozy three-bedroom apartment overlooking the Dnipro River, tragedy struck.
Liudmyla’s last moments were spent engaging with the news of a war that had been underway for years, filled with political conversations about potential cease-fires facilitated by the American government. With air-raid sirens sounding nightly and drone footsteps echoing above, the reality of life in Ukraine had been transformed into one of constant tension and fear.
Earlier that night, she had a final phone conversation with her son, Mykola, who lived near the front line in Sumy. Unbeknownst to them both, her insistence that he not visit that evening likely saved his life. Waiting patiently for the start of their shared afternoons in the coming weeks, Liudmyla started to settle into her evening routine. With memories of a life lived fully—from her upbringing post-World War II to raising a promising son—she reflected on years marked by resilience and hope.
But as she prepared to embrace her future, a Russian Shahed drone struck her building, forever silencing her laughter and love. As the dust settled, the tragedy served as a haunting reminder of the toll of warfare, shattering the hopes of an individual still dreaming of better days. The drone warfare program, which had increasingly targeted Ukrainian urban centers, escalated into a new phase of warfare that left untold devastation in its wake.
The loss of Liudmyla Zarutska signifies not merely an individual tragedy but also serves as a symbol of the profound devastation the ongoing conflict inflicts upon ordinary lives. As each day dawns in Ukraine, fresh destruction unfurls alongside hopes of peace, etched forever in the memories of those left behind.
