Katarina Mathernova: If Ukraine had a human face and a human spirit, it would be 10-year-old Roman Oleksiv

If Ukraine had a human face and a human spirit, it would be 10-year-old Roman Oleksiv. I have never encountered a story so deeply moving—one of inner strength, the power of dreams, and a fragility that hides steely resilience.

Roman survived what no child should ever have to endure. On July 14, 2022, he was waiting with his mother for a medical appointment in the city of Vinnytsia. At that moment, Russia launched a missile strike. His 29-year-old mother, Halyna, did not survive. Despite suffering burns on 45% of his body and internal organ damage, Roman managed to crawl out of the rubble on his own.

Within days, he was evacuated abroad—first to Poland, then to Germany—for urgent specialised medical treatment through the Medevac programme, a coordinated initiative involving the Ukrainian Ministry of Health, the EU and WHO.

Roman spent over 100 days in intensive care and underwent 35 surgeries. Doctors saved his body—his dreams are healing his soul.

Despite immense suffering, Roman never gave up on his dreams—to play the accordion and to take up ballroom dancing. Dancing helps him regain balance and muscle strength, and the complex fingerwork of practising tunes on the accordion has improved the flexibility of his scarred hands.

Today, Roman no longer has to hide his face behind the special mask that was part of him for the past years.

Roman’s father, Yaroslav, said: “If Roman hadn’t been transported abroad, he wouldn’t be here with us today. The Medevac programme is incredibly important for many other injured people, including children. It saves lives.”

The EU is proud to sponsor Medevac that has helped over 5,000 patients like Roman access vital treatment in countries across Europe and beyond.

I am deeply moved and proud that through the Medevac programme, the EU could became a small part of Roman’s remarkable story.

As kids enjoy their first days of summer holidays, let’s send positive energy not only to Roman but all Ukrainian kids!👦