98-year-old woman walks six miles through shelling to escape Russia-controlled Ukraine | Global News

A 98-year-old Ukrainian woman, Lidia Stepanivna, has captured the hearts of many after bravely walking 10km (six miles) under shelling to escape the Russia-controlled region of Donetsk. Using walking sticks for support, Lidia fell several times during her arduous journey from Ocheretyne and was even forced to sleep on the ground. Despite the challenges, she declared, “I survived that war [Second World War], and I am surviving this war.”

In a video posted online by Ukraine’s police, Lidia is seen sitting on a bed in a shelter, dressed in an oversized coat and a scarf tied around her head, holding a wooden stick. She recounted her harrowing experience of having no food or water but relying on her inner strength to keep going as she aimed to reach areas controlled by Kyiv. “I’m left with nothing, but I left my Ukraine on feet,” she said.

The war-torn state of Ukraine has been deeply affected by the ongoing conflict, with thousands losing their lives and millions displaced. Lidia’s resilience and determination in the face of such adversity serve as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to endure and overcome challenges. The Ukrainian interior ministry has stated that efforts are underway to locate Lidia’s relatives, as she continues to inspire hope and resilience in the midst of chaos and destruction.