Sojourner #029: 5-Year-Old Ukrainian Girl Killed By Russian Drone Strike In Kyiv
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)
It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that we report the following news from Kyiv, Ukraine:
Last night, on March 23, 2025, 5-year-old Nikole and her father Oleksandr were killed by a Russian drone strike that struck a temporary housing for displaced families on the grounds of a local church in Kyiv, Ukraine. Nikole's mother survived the initial strike, but remains at the hospital in critical condition.
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| Image: Nikole with her mother last Christmas |
The family had sought refuge in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, from the Russian Army's advances in the Zaporizhzhia oblast (region). Today, their hometown of Orikhiv is only 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from the front line, and is shelled by Russian artillery daily. The temporary housing facility they have sheltered in, set up on the grounds of a local church in Kyiv, was destroyed last night by a Russian drone.
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| Image: Location of the Drone Strike |
Through sources close to the family on the ground it has been confirmed that Nikole and her family had received Christmas backpacks through The Bible Today's Christmas backpack distribution project for the last two years. Sharing the news this morning, Yulia Clack remarked: "We don't always know the fate of every child we send a gift to. But today, we do. And it's devastating. Still, I find comfort in knowing that her last Christmas, she felt seen, remembered, and loved."
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| Image: Nikole photographed during The Bible Today's aid efforts |
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Without reservation, our hearts are grieved over the death of Nikole and Oleksandr. The reality of war is inescapable. The death and suffering of the innocent at the hands of violent oppressors brings great heartache upon us all. In the midst of this present grief, our hearts are encouraged by the hope we have received in the Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Thess. 4:13-18). Our grief is accompanied by the perspective of what has been promised to us in the Gospel. We rejoice all the more in the hope of the Gospel, understanding that those who belong to Christ, though they die, yet shall they live (John 11:25-26).
Please, join us in praying for Nikole's family, specifically her mother. Pray that the God of every grace would heal her body and comfort her in her distress. Pray for an end to the Russian aggression against Ukraine, so others might live. Pray for those who are defending their lives against a destroyer that seeks to conquer all. Pray that the Gospel might shine as a light in the darkness of a world that is very clearly passing away, and above all, pray that God would continually be glorified as He works to deliver His people from sin and death across Ukraine - through the Gospel of His Son, Jesus Christ.
You can directly support Nikole's mother by giving through PayPal to this address:
PayPal - Svetikaga77@gmail.com
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From the Editor's Desk:
For the last three years (and much longer) I have seen thousands of Ukrainian civilians killed at the hands of the Russian government. Drone strikes, executions, artillery barrages, rocket attacks, the list goes on. Images flash through my mind of death and dismemberment, of fire and destruction at every turn, overshadowed by the Russian symbol for invasion - a "Z" painted on walls and vehicles and flags and windows. I've watched Russian tanks run over cars filled with civilians attempting to flee the war zone.
You see, war does not confine itself to the box we want to put it in. It devours it. It does not care who or what it destroys, and it is propagated by those who have no concern for the lives of those it takes.
Sadly, Nikole and her father are not the first victims of indiscriminate Russian attacks on non-military targets. Frankly, as devastating as their loss is, it will not make headlines on whatever news media you probably watch in America. Their story does not fit the narrative, it does not line the pockets of those in power, and it does not support the overwhelming disinformation campaign on every medium. They will be forgotten by most of the world before lunch tomorrow, but not by us. Not by the people on the ground. Not by their families. Not by any who knew them. And our hope is that they will not be forgotten by you.
Nikole will not grow old. Age will not weary her, nor the years condemn. She will no longer take part in kindergarten plays with other children like the one she took part in this past Thursday. No, her life was taken from her by a Russian drone. She will dance again, but not here. We will see her again, but not here - and what a day that will be.
Her life matters. Her story matters. Her father's life matters. His story matters. Her mother's life matters, and God willing, her story is not over yet. That's why we ask you to pray in earnest, to use your voice to speak the truth to power, and to stand for the oppressed. They are real. They exist. They matter. Please, see them where they are, and do something to help them.
Sojourner Magazine is not a political institution, but we certainly have a side.
We are on Nikole's side.
Our political affiliation, as Christians, is to light and life - to Christ and His people, wherever they are. As members of a Kingdom that is not of this world, our allegiance, ultimately, is not to any ruler whose face is stamped on currency or to any flag that flies over any building built by human hands. Our true allegiance is to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who has stepped down into this world and conquered every evil once and for all, including the one that has taken Nikole's life.
In the midst of war and political turmoil and life itself, the Christian has a remarkable opportunity to engage with current happenings in such a way that they display the divine reality that they are members of a Kingdom that is not of this world. They may stand for the truth, bear each other's burdens, serve the least of these, and love one another in light of the perfect love of Jesus Christ. They may stand for the oppressed and most of all, they may preach Christ crucified.
The Lord gathers His people from every tribe, nation, and tongue. As such, His people may be found, quite literally, in every corner of the world - including Ukraine. His people are citizens and ambassadors of a Kingdom that transcends whatever flag that flies over the land they call home.
As you interact with others, whether in person or on social media, engage with them a way that displays the splendor of the Gospel and magnifies the name of Christ among the nations. Remember that evil will endure so long as you stand by and say nothing. Saying and doing nothing in the face of evil is a choice. Get in the trenches and help somebody - use your voice for His glory and for the good of many.
Consider the unique opportunity you have to show the love of Christ and stand for whatever is true and noble and praiseworthy and good. Think about the impact your words will have on those who read them - when you throw stones, they will hit someone. Stand for Ukrainians.
Why? Because "in places where life expectancy is measured in weeks, sometimes days, this is the work that matters. Because one day, the missiles will stop. The headlines will fade. The world will move on. And what will be left? The people." (Yulia Clack, Sojourner #025)
Our request to you is that you look beyond the politics and the headlines to the people on the ground in Ukraine, rather than just viewing the nation as it is broadly described on the news to suit ever-changing political agendas. Do not overlook them as your favorite political leader seeks a "win" with the media or as narratives change.
Real people live and die every day in Ukraine - they are not watching the war unfold from the comfort of their homes through a 6.9 inch screen that fits in their pocket. This is not a soap opera, this is not a Netflix drama, this is real life. They cannot turn it off when the news is too hard to hear. This is their ugly and harsh reality, every single day. Hear them in their distress, and care for them. See the faces of the innocents who are suffering and dying - wake up to reality.
The truth on the ground in Ukraine? A 5-year-old girl was killed by the Russian military last night as the rest of the world carried on like nothing happened. Her name was Nikole. Her father died with her, and his name was Oleksandr. Her mother is in the hospital as medical professionals work to save her life.
Remember them, please.
Героям слава,
Jake Rogers, Editor-In-Chief
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On the ground in Ukraine, the work continues. People still need help, and ultimately they need the truth - they need the Gospel. Please, support the Bible Today as they seek to bring the only effective means of implementing real change in the lives of so many across Ukraine. Their work really makes a difference.
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The Christmas Backpacks Project 2025 Recap Video:
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