The Life of 11-Year-Old Valeriia Khomenko Was Taken by the Russian Army in Kostiantynivka
On August 9, 2024, the Russian military struck Kostiantynivka with an Kh-38 missile, hitting a shopping center. Valeriia Khomenko, aged 11, was there with her friend, whose grandmother had asked the girls to go to the store. Both girls were killed. The bodies of 12 other victims were identified at the scene.
Valeriia was born in Toretsk. After the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, her family remained in their hometown for some time, but after their house was struck, they relocated to Kostiantynivka.
She studied remotely at Toretsk School No. 6 and was due to begin the 6th grade in the autumn. Mathematics was her favorite subject. Her homeroom teacher remembers Valeriia as a cheerful, smiling, open-hearted, and sociable child who was always willing to help others.
She loved drawing, making mosaics, and spending time with her cat Zina. Most of all, she enjoyed cooking. She could bake meat or potatoes on her own and loved making banana and chocolate muffins.
Valeriia is survived by her parents, her brother, and other family members.
At 9:00 a.m., Ukraine observes a nationwide minute of silence. The Donetsk Regional Military Administration and the Memorial Platform commemorate the residents of Donetsk Region who were killed by Russian forces.