«The Direct Missile Strike Did Not Leave Them a Chance»: the Russian Army Killed a Family in Novohrodivka, Donetsk Oblast

The body of 8-year-old Mariia Makovii was found on the fourth day after the Russian army attacked the apartment building in Novohrodivka of Donetsk oblast. The bodies of her parents were not found. Mariia’s father, 38-year-old Ihor, was identified by fragments.

The Russian Army killed the Makovii family in Novohrodivka, Donetsk Oblast

The Russian army attacked Novohrodivka on the evening of November 30. Five people were killed by the direct missile strike into the house, among them 8-year-old Mariia and her parents Alona and Ihor Makovii.

The girl’s body was found in the rubble only on the fourth day. The bodies of the parents were not found, only the fragments.

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

«8-year-old Mariia was a cheerful, bright girl who was just at the beginning of her life, made her loved ones and friends happy, dreamed and loved,» — this is how the Novohrodivka Children’s Library remembers the little girl, who was killed by a Russian missile.

Mariia was an active child, she often visited the library, carefully selected books and shared her impressions, achievements, dreams, hobbies with the library staff, participated in various events, dance, and art competitions. She was enjoying socializing.

This is the last video from the life of Mariia Makovii, made on November 29. The child plays the guitar with such a heartwarming smile.

«Children do not die — they become angels and look at us from heaven,» the Novohrodivka Children’s Library writes in memoriam of the girl. «We miss Mariika and in our memory, she will remain the same as in these photos.»

Photo: Novohrodivka Children’s Library

The girl enjoyed dancing

Mariia’s drawing

«Mariia was daddy’s girl. Ihor even took her fishing with him, sharing this hobby with the daughter. He walked to and picked her up from different activities, — their acquaintances remember about the Makovii family. — It was a kind, loving family and wonderful sincere people. It is impossible to realize that they were gone in one moment…».

Alona and Ihor Makovii

Lyudmyla Nosal, the close friend of Alona and Ihor Makovii, also wrote about the horrific tragedy in Novohrodivka.

«It is painful to write, but with a direct missile strike, they did not have a chance to survive. It also complicated the search. For several days, parents have been waiting at the rubble for news when their children will be found. The granddaughter was found. This is an unbearable pain to live with for the rest of their lives and it’s impossible to find words to comfort them. All of us, family and friends, are in deep sorrow,» Lyudmyla writes.

The Makovii family

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the Russian army has killed 1,783 civilians in Donetsk oblast. However this figure does not include the number of victims in Mariupol and Volnovakha because it is impossible to establish accurate data due to the occupation of the cities. The mayor of Mariupol mentioned a figure of 22,000 deaths.

Author: Anna Dudchenko

War in Ukraine Donetsk region Russian invasion Russian crimes