Hello everyone, my name is Sofiia Holynska, I come from the heart of Ukraine - Kyiv. My life was taken by a Russian missile in the centre of Chernihiv. It was 19 August 2023. I came to Chernihiv with my mother for a visit. The missile came when we were walking and talking about my first grade - I was about to start school. There was a sudden big explosion, big fire started... 

I was the only daughter of my mother Olha and father Oleksandr. I was active from a very young age. In kindergarten, I felt like a leader. I offered to help the teacher and other children. At the age of four, I could recite poetry well. When I was five, I could learn a big poem on a whole page! I especially loved drawing and role-playing. 

We spent a lot of time together with my mum and dad: we went to Kyiv parks, visited the zoo, cinemas, and amusement parks. We spent holidays at our grandparents' place and travelled. 

After the full-scale Russian attack, my family stayed in Kyiv because we didn't want to go anywhere without my dad. I used to sell my toys on the playground, and together with my mum, I used to send those money to the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Later, my dad joined the army and became our defender. At that time, I dreamed of having a sister, I even wrote a letter to the universe about it!)

I also wanted to go to a meeting with the president. I wanted to tell him something important, but what exactly- I didn’t get to tell my mum. Same, I didn’t get to live my life…

Nowadays, my mum and dad only live with thoughts of me. I am a guardian angel who will protect their fates for the rest of their lives.