Bilohorodka Bids Farewell to Svitlana Chernovol, Killed by Russian Drone While Saving Her Daughter

The Tragic Deaths of Svitlana Chernovol and Maksym Oliinyk

According to Главком: A funeral was held on January 30 in Bilohorodka, Kyiv region, for 40-year-old Svitlana Chernovol (Blatova). She and her civilian partner, Maksym Oliinyk, were killed in the early hours of January 28 when a Russian attack drone struck their apartment. Their 4-year-old daughter, Milana, was saved from the attack, which sparked a fire covering approximately 600 square meters. This incident is a stark reminder of the daily threat to civilians across Ukraine from long-range drone and missile strikes.

Attack Details

The assault occurred around 1:30 AM on a six-story residential building in the village of Bilohorodka. The Russian strike drone hit the roof, killing Svitlana Chernovol and Maksym Oliinyk at the scene. Several other residents suffered from stress and carbon monoxide poisoning, though their condition is now satisfactory. Their daughter, Milana, survived without physical injury but endured severe psychological trauma. She is now with her biological father and older brother.

Svitlana Chernovol worked as a cosmetologist and owned two beauty studios in Vyshneve and Bilohorodka, with nearly a decade of experience in the beauty industry. She had moved to Bilohorodka nine months prior, purchasing a two-level apartment on the top floor of the building on credit, which she had almost fully paid off. The tragedy occurred on the eve of her older son's 20th birthday.

Following the deaths, a fundraiser was launched to support their children. Svitlana's friend, Veronika, recalled that Svitlana always aimed to make people more beautiful and had dreamed of a holiday in Spain with her children. Just a week before the attack, Svitlana Blatova had spoken about the difficult times society is enduring and her hope for a better future.

This tragic event serves as further evidence of the dangers faced by Ukrainian civilians during the war.

Attacks on residential buildings, resulting in the deaths of innocent people, provoke deep public outcry and underscore the urgent need for continued international support for Ukraine. The loss of Svitlana and Maksym has left a profound mark on the hearts of family and friends, mobilizing community action to support their children through this devastating time.