On April 20, 2026, a Russian military strike devastated parts of Zaporizhzhia, affecting the lives of two families who shared a home. The attack forced them into a basement for safety, resulting in injuries to one child and leaving both families without shelter.
The aftermath of the assault revealed a scene of destruction, with a damaged house and charred debris littering the area. For Anna Antoshchuk, the day marked a turning point in her family’s life. She received a frantic call from her husband, who described the chaos unfolding around them.
“They said the house was gone, that the car was destroyed — explosions were happening right in front of us. At that moment, I was terrified for them. I rushed to save my family, thinking only of their safety, especially after my husband mentioned that our child had been injured in the head, blood was everywhere. It’s a miracle, really, as a brick landed just 20 centimeters away from her,”
recalled Anna, reflecting on the harrowing experience.
During the attack, Anna’s 10-year-old daughter sustained a head injury and a concussion. When Anna finally reached home, she found her family sheltering in the basement alongside Oksana Dolyna’s family. They had fled through backyards to escape the chaos.
“It was shocking; my hands were shaking. Even now, I remember it vividly. We ran to our basement, which ultimately saved us. We sat there for a long time, until we could barely breathe. Our fence was gone, and many people lost their roofs and windows. We just ran, not looking back. It was terrifying. For about four hours, I was in a state of panic,”
Oksana recounted.
Hours later, the families cautiously returned to assess the damage. They were met with the grim reality of their situation: a roof torn apart, shattered windows, and a sense of loss.
“We saw that our lives had been destroyed. There was nothing left in the house. In an instant, everything was gone. We walked through the wreckage, unsure of what to do next,”
Anna shared, her voice heavy with emotion.
The destruction extended beyond the physical; pets were also affected. Oksana expressed concern for her dogs, Kira and Baks, who were terrified during the attack.
“They were so scared. Everything was exploding around them. I honestly don’t know how they survived,”
she said.
Currently, both families are seeking refuge with relatives and friends, having lost their homes in the attack. The community is rallying to support them as they navigate this difficult chapter in their lives.
A recent Russian military strike in Zaporizhzhia has left two families homeless, with one child injured. The attack has devastated their lives, forcing them to seek temporary shelter with relatives as they cope with the aftermath of the destruction.