Overview
- Roman Oleksiv recounted surviving a July 2022 missile strike on a Vinnytsia hospital that killed his mother and left him with burns over about 45% of his body, more than 100 days in a coma and 35 surgeries.
- During his remarks in Strasbourg, the English interpreter broke down in tears and a colleague took over as many in the chamber were visibly moved.
- He appealed to lawmakers to keep supporting Ukraine’s youngest victims, closing by saying that together people must remain strong and continue helping children.
- After emergency evacuation to Poland and then the University Clinic Dresden, he underwent extensive rehabilitation, wore a facial compression mask until late 2024 and now lives with his father in Lviv, with further procedures expected as he grows.
- The speech was shared widely online as outlets noted the broader context of the war’s impact on civilians, with UN figures recording at least 14,383 civilian deaths, including at least 738 children, by September 30, 2025.