The war between Russia and Ukraine seems to have no end, because 15 days after its start, the Russian invasion does not stop and this is a growing concern for the Ukrainian community, whose survival has become their highest priority.
Ukrainian families, in their desperation to flee the constant risk they face in their country, have chosen to travel and take refuge in neighboring countries such as Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary and Moldova. Although not in all cases it is possible for them to escape as a family, parents do their best to protect their children.
An example of this is the story of this brave boy, who at just 11 years old traveled alone around 1000 kilometers from the southeast of Ukraine to the border with Slovakia, fleeing from the Russian invasion.
Hassan is a boy from Zaporizhia, Ukraine, the site of a nuclear power plant that was recently taken over by Russian forces, which is why his mother sent him on a train in hopes of keeping him safe.
The mother sent the child alone while she stayed in Ukraine to take care of her mother, who due to a disability, is unable to move.
Next to my city there is a power plant that the Russians are bombing. I couldn’t leave my mother, she can’t move on her own, so I sent my son to Slovakia.
– Yulia Pisetskaya
This is how Hassan, without company, with only a backpack, a plastic ball, his passport and a number written on his hand, undertook the journey of approximately 1000 kilometers towards the Slovakian border.
When he arrived, the boy was greeted by volunteers who sheltered him and offered some food, while border officials located his relatives in Slovakia through the number on his hand.
Through a post on Facebook, the Slovak police shared Hassan’s story, praising him for being so brave. In addition, they added that the boy met his relatives in Bratislava due to the number written on his hand and on a page of his passport.
The boy won them all over with his smile, bravery and determination, he is worthy of being a true hero.
In a video message, the boy’s mother thanked the Slovak police and government for caring for and helping her son cross the border into Slovakia.
I am a widow and have more children. I am so grateful that you saved my son’s life. In your small country there are people with a big heart. I couldn’t leave my mother, she can’t move on her own.
– Yulia Pisetskaya
With tears in her eyes, the boy’s mother pleaded with them to please save and give the Ukrainian children a safe haven.
The Slovak Ministry of the Interior urged all those who want to help the child’s mother and grandmother who cannot leave Ukraine to contact the Christian Youth Scholarship Association at [email protected] or by clicking here. .
Hassan’s story has touched the hearts of people around the world, who are sending their prayers and words of support, as they cannot imagine how difficult it must be to separate from their mother, especially in the circumstances in which they find themselves. .