Stories like hers remind us that even after the deepest losses, one can find the strength to live, help others, and keep moving forward.
Recently, Nataliia Adamova, Acting Director of the Donetsk Regional Employment Center, met with Viktoriia Ilienko — the widow of a fallen defender of Ukraine, an active volunteer, and a future veteran support specialist.
A native of Kramatorsk, Viktoriia is an agronomist by education and currently works in the accounting department of a local medical institution. Yet her energy extends far beyond her profession. She volunteers with the “Angels of Salvation” charitable foundation, helping people in need of psychological support, organizing wellness trips, meetings, and events to restore emotional well-being.
Today, Viktoriia also participates in the evacuation of civilians from frontline areas, offering assistance to those who need it most.
Her husband, Senior Lieutenant Serhii Ilienko, was killed defending the Donetsk region near Klishchiivka. Since 2023, he had served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, was one of the defenders of Karachun, and the commander of an anti-tank platoon in military unit A4875.
Viktoriia honors his memory through her daily work — by serving people and helping veterans and military families.
This desire to help became the start of a new chapter in her life.
Viktoriia successfully passed the competition for the position of “veteran support specialist”, aiming to assist defenders returning to civilian life and to help them exercise their rights and opportunities.
To acquire the necessary knowledge for her new role, she enrolled at the Donbas State Engineering Academy — with support from the Employment Service.
“We are always beside those who need support and seek growth. Viktoriia is an example of strength, compassion, and inspiration. Her journey shows how important it is to believe in yourself and use the opportunities offered by the state,” -said Nataliia Adamova.
Alongside her volunteer work, Viktoriia finds time for creativity — she embroiders and makes handcrafted soap. Her embroidered towel, created back in 2014 under the guidance of Nataliia Voloshyna, director of the Kramatorsk Museum of History, was entered into the Book of Records of Ukraine.
Her story inspires. It is about the courage to keep living, to help others, and to prove that support, knowledge, and faith in one’s own strength can become the foundation for a new beginning.