Kyiv woman who lost her parents in missile strike: I forgive Russians

Veronika Osyntseva. Photo: open sources

Kyiv resident Veronika Osyntseva, who lost both of her parents in a Russian missile strike on the capital, has said that she forgives Russians and does not want to carry hatred in her heart. She shared the message on Threads nearly a year after the attack.

In her post, Veronika recalled that on July 31, 2025, a Russian missile strike on Kyiv claimed the lives of her parents, her cat, and several neighbors. She herself survived after falling from the ninth floor while sitting on her bed.

"I forgive Russians for what they have done. I do not carry hatred in my heart. Why? Because my heart is filled with love, and only with love am I able to build and create my own future," Veronika wrote.

She stressed that this is a conscious personal choice and said she has no intention of adapting herself to a world that seeks to destroy everything she holds dear. She added that remaining true to her convictions matters more to her than other people's judgments. Her post sparked widespread discussion on social media amid ongoing debate over the consequences of Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities.

As the UOJ previously reported, a controversy erupted in Ukraine after a sermon by Greek Catholic priest Roman Kurakh of Uzhhorod, who prayed for the miracle of reconciliation between the two "great nations" – Ukraine and Russia.

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