14-year-old Anna Aksenchenko was killed on June 27, 2023, when Russian forces launched missile strikes on the center of Kramatorsk and the nearby village of Bilenke.
The explosion hit the “Ria” café, residential buildings, and other facilities. The attack claimed 12 lives. Among the dead was Anna’s twin sister, Yulia.
Anna had just finished the eighth grade at School No. 24 in Kramatorsk. She would have turned 15 on September 4, 2023. Anna loved taking photos. Like her twin sister Yulia, she spent nearly all her time with her
After the start of the full-scale invasion, the sisters moved from Kramatorsk to a safer place. They returned to their hometown just a few days before the tragedy...
“Anna and Yulia were diligent students and talented at drawing — they often helped decorate the school for holidays. They were identical twins and looked very much alike, though their personalities were different. Anna was more straightforward, while Yulia was quieter. Anna always supported and helped her sister,” said Liudmyla Osadcha, the principal of their school.
“The girls were very sociable, pleasant to talk to, and often helped my daughter with her homework. Classes were online, so they mostly communicated in chats. This year they ended up in the same class. They were such cheerful girls...,” said Maryna, whose daughter studied with the Aksenchenko sisters.
Anna and Yulia are survived by their parents.
At 9:00 a.m. — a nationwide moment of silence.
Donetsk Regional Military Administration and the Memorial: Killed by Russia platform honor the residents of Donetsk region killed by Russian aggression.