A Milestone for Maria Shevtsova
On May 25, 2025, in the city of Kryvyi Rih, long-lived resident Maria Shevtsova marked her 102nd birthday. Born on May 25, 1924, in the Kharkiv region, she was orphaned at age seven during the Holodomor and grew up in an orphanage.
A defining chapter of her life unfolded during World War II. On June 23, 1941, Shevtsova joined the IV Ukrainian Front as a nurse. Throughout the war, she served in Ukraine, Poland, and Czechoslovakia, and was in Germany when victory was declared.
The Story of Ivan Klymenko
After the war, Shevtsova worked at various enterprises and as a nurse at Kryvyi Rih Infectious Disease Hospital No. 1. Also featured in the news is 100-year-old veteran Ivan Klymenko, a resident of Novoukrainka in the Kirovohrad region. Klymenko was sent to the front as an 18-year-old and each month donates part of his pension to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
These stories of longevity highlight the courage and dedication of Ukrainians in their fight for freedom and independence.
Shevtsova's birthday and Klymenko's story serve as powerful reminders of the heroism and resilience of Ukrainians who have endured difficult historical events.
Their testimonies reflect a deep sense of patriotism and a willingness to support the country even in old age, underscoring the importance of remembering the war and its heroes for today's society.