A Century of Courage: The Untold Story of Hanna Kryvosheieva, Ukraine’s 100-Year-Old Spy

The Life of Hanna Kryvosheieva

According to Главком: Hanna Kryvosheieva, a 100-year-old resident of Konotop and a World War II veteran, recently recounted her remarkable life. Born on April 20, 1926, in Konotop, she began learning German at age six, thanks to her father, an engineer. The family lived in a German settlement in the village of Kruhloluhivka in the Bakhmach region, which further honed her language skills. At her centennial celebration, guests were amazed by her fluent German.

At just 15, Kryvosheieva became a scout and translator for the partisan movement. Her youth was fraught with danger: she was captured multiple times and was listed as missing in action on three separate occasions. She recalls:

“I remember coming home and lying down to sleep, when my younger brother started shaking me: ‘Get up, war!’ ‘What war?!’ I answered, half-asleep… My first thought was: ‘How will I study now?’ because I loved going to school so much.” - Hanna Kryvosheieva

She also notes: “I had a good memory. I wasn’t afraid-maybe it was youthful recklessness.”

Kryvosheieva was in Austria, near Salzburg, when victory was declared. After the war, she first returned to Kruhloluhivka and later settled back in Konotop. In the post-war years, she worked as a postal dispatcher. She married, and together with her husband, built their home. Today, she has a daughter, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, who bring her daily joy.

The Value of Peace

For Kryvosheieva, peace is the greatest treasure in life. She says:

“I would give up everything, just for peace.” - Hanna Kryvosheieva

In her free time, she enjoys singing, playing the bayan (a type of accordion), and participating in the city choir. Her story is a vivid testament to resilience and inner strength-a person who endured countless trials yet always cherished peace and harmony.

Hanna Kryvosheieva’s journey underscores the importance of remembering veterans and their contributions to preserving peace. Her life serves as a symbol of fortitude and the ability to overcome adversity, inspiring younger generations. In today’s challenging times, it is crucial to reflect on the value of peace and harmony that veterans like Hanna have strived to uphold throughout their lives.