At 105, a Kherson Resident Evacuated from Shelling: The Story of Olga Budnikova

Evacuation of a 105-Year-Old Kherson Resident

According to Главком: Olga Budnikova, a 105-year-old woman from Kherson, has been evacuated from her home due to intensifying shelling in the region. For her safety, the woman, who lived alone, has been relocated to the Kherson City Geriatric Center. Born on July 10, 1920, Olga moved to Kherson in 1961 following her husband, a military officer, to his posting. During her career, she worked as a commodity expert at a military unit and holds the rank of junior lieutenant.

After her husband's death in the 1980s, Olga, who had no children, continued to live alone. The deteriorating security situation forced her evacuation from a hospital where she had spent several weeks. She is currently diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes. Cardiologist Volodymyr Kupchyn noted:

“Her heart condition is more or less stable, but there are problems. She cannot go home. The shelling is constant, and her apartment has no heating or electricity.”

The Situation in the Kherson Community

The Kherson community has 32 long-term residents registered, including individuals aged 100, 102, 103, and 105. Deputy Mayor Natalia Chornenka reported that:

“There is already one Kherson resident who will turn 106 this year.”

Other evacuations have also taken place in the region:

• 73-year-old Halyna Kukharenko was evacuated from Dobropillia, where she had lived for three weeks without food, suffering from hypothermia and under shelling. She also has a concussion.
• 14 residents, including three minors-among them a two-year-old child-were evacuated from Kupiansk to Kharkiv.

Commenting on her situation, Olga Budnikova stated: “When they strike, it booms-and I fall down immediately. I will never return home again.” The situation in the region remains tense, causing concern among residents, especially those requiring special care and attention. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has placed immense strain on civilian infrastructure and vulnerable populations in frontline areas.

The evacuation of elderly individuals and those in need of medical assistance highlights the severe challenges facing the Kherson region amid the escalation of hostilities. Despite measures taken to ensure safety, many residents, particularly from vulnerable groups, are forced to leave their homes due to the danger of shelling. This underscores the critical need for establishing proper conditions to protect and support people caught in difficult circumstances.