Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Sasha, a Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast, was seriously injured during a Russian attack in the Odesa region, resulting in the amputation of her leg after a concrete slab crushed her bones. She spent 15 days in a medically induced coma. After months of rehabilitation, Sasha returned to gymnastics, performing with a modern prosthetic leg and winning medals at international competitions, including one in Romania.
Sasha and her mother, Maria, visited the UN Headquarters to share Sasha's experience, emphasizing the need for peace as the war continues to affect children in Ukraine. Maria stressed the importance of international awareness of the ongoing conflict and its impact on young people.
Sasha's story inspired "The Heart Sees More Than the Eyes," an inclusive comic book produced with UNICEF support through the UPSHIFT programme. The comic features a young gymnast continuing training after amputation and promotes understanding and inclusion of disability among children in schools.
According to UNICEF, the war in Ukraine has displaced nearly 2.6 million children, with about 791,000 internally displaced and 1.8 million living as refugees abroad. Over 3,400 children have been killed or injured in attacks since February 2022, though the actual number may be higher due to verification challenges. More than 1,700 educational facilities have also been damaged or destroyed, disrupting schooling for many, especially those near frontlines.