Neighbor Rescue Attempt by Kyiv Resident Following Russian Attack

In the heart of Kyiv, amidst the chaos and destruction caused by a Russian drone and missile strike, 19-year-old Vladislav Kalashnikov demonstrated an extraordinary act of courage. Despite his own flat being torn apart in the blast, Kalashnikov rushed to assist neighbours in a nearby block.

The scene was one of devastation, marked by anguished cries and groans. Residents were clawing through debris as rescuers arrived, amidst the distant echoes of explosions. Kalashnikov found a man lying helpless with a broken leg and a child crying for help among the wreckage. A woman was pinned beneath concrete, her fate uncertain.

Kalashnikov, along with others, tried to pull free the woman with a severe head wound who was pinned under a concrete slab. However, they were unable to lift the concrete block. A man with a badly broken leg was present in the same location.

The Ukrainian government has lifted the ban on men aged 18 to 22 traveling abroad, but Kalashnikov has no plans to leave Ukraine. Despite a close brush with death, he considers his future to be in Ukraine.

Kalashnikov's familiarity with the frequent Russian barrages against Kyiv and other cities is evident. Yet, his spirit remains undeterred. He expressed his intention to continue his studies in Ukraine, though public information about the start of his academic career is scarce.

Footage filmed by Kalashnikov showed a nightmarish scene of flames, twisted steel, shattered brickwork, and broken glass. Rescue workers removed dead bodies in black body bags from the scene, as the death toll mounted. At least 18 victims of the strikes across the city had been killed in the location described.

Russia denies targeting civilians in its strikes against Kyiv and other cities. However, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. Kalashnikov's story is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity. His actions serve as a beacon of hope in these trying times.