Family Story
Irina Kostikova, born in 1965, her husband Alexander, 65 years old, their daughter Ilona, 33 years old, and her children Herman, born in 2013, and Maxim, born in 2017. Alexander serves in the “Azov” regiment and is currently deployed in the Donetsk region. From the first day of the war, he joined the territorial defense and later volunteered in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He sustained injuries and received awards for his participation in the liberation of Bucha and Irpen. The Kostikov family’s house was their cherished dream, their “family nest,” into which they poured all their energy, resources, and time. Their property included a garden, a vegetable patch, a greenhouse with various vegetables and fruits, and a beautifully landscaped garden with flowers and shrubs. On the ground floor of their house, they operated a small family store.
In the fall of 2021, the family completed renovations, and they delighted in their happy life in their dream home. The children had their own separate room, and the terrace was made of glass, providing a beautiful view. However, when the war broke out, the children were filled with fear. On February 25th, their daughter had to leave, and on March 6th, Ira was forced to flee as well. They were given only 20 minutes to gather their belongings. Tanks lined the streets, and Russian soldiers roamed the area, engaging in acts of violence and looting.
When Irina left the house, the occupiers quickly seized control and took three days to remove all the valuable items, even dismantling the toilet, bathroom fixtures, and refrigerator. They intentionally set fire to the house and shot at the legs of neighboring residents to prevent them from extinguishing the flames.
Currently, Irina is living with acquaintances, seeking refuge and support in this difficult time. The Kostikov family’s ordeal has been documented by local media, but unfortunately, they have yet to receive assistance. Irina’s husband, Alexander, works tirelessly day and night to save money for a new home, while her elderly father and sister do their best to support the family during these challenging circumstances.
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