Oksana Kurilo, a resident of Chuhuiv, has returned home after spending over a year undergoing medical treatment abroad for injuries sustained during a Russian missile strike on February 24, 2022. Despite still managing repairs to her damaged apartment, she has recently found employment, marking a significant step in her recovery.
Kurilo’s image, captured by American documentary photographer Wolfgang Schwan shortly after the attack, gained international attention. The photograph depicted her bloodied face and bandaged head, reflecting the shock and confusion experienced in the aftermath of the strike.
In a notable fundraising effort, a painting titled “The First Face of War,” inspired by Schwan’s photograph and created by artist Zhenya Gershman, was sold at a Heritage Auctions event in the United States for $100,000. The proceeds were directed towards supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces, coinciding with Kurilo’s struggle to regain her sight.
As the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion approaches, Kurilo shared her experiences with a correspondent from Ukrinform, discussing her return to Chuhuiv, her newfound recognition, and her current work.
Journey Back Home
After undergoing a total of four surgeries abroad, Kurilo expressed her gratitude for the support she received from various individuals and organizations, including the British newspaper Daily Mail. This support facilitated her initial relocation to Poland and later to London for her final surgery.
Despite having good living conditions and offers to stay in the UK, Kurilo was determined to return to her homeland. “I lived with a wonderful family in London, but I could not see myself living there permanently,” she stated. After completing her treatment in Poland on June 16, 2023, she was back on a train to Kharkiv just two days later.
In appreciation for her hosts, she prepared traditional Ukrainian dishes, including borscht and dumplings, which her hosts had never tried before.
Health Challenges and Adaptation
Kurilo prefers not to dwell on the traumatic events of February 24, 2022, when she was injured. Initially in shock, she resisted hospitalization but soon realized the necessity of medical intervention to remove glass shards from her face and address severe eye injuries. She commended local medical professionals for their dedication during the crisis.
Currently, she has limited vision in both eyes, with one functioning at 30% and the other at 80%. “I have to undergo regular check-ups to maintain my condition,” she explained. While she has adapted to her situation, she still faces difficulties, particularly with depth perception.
In addition to her vision impairments, Kurilo deals with various physical and psychological effects stemming from her injuries, including kidney and stomach issues, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. She described how nightly dreams of explosions continue to disrupt her sleep.
New Role and Community Support
With over 20 years of experience as a choreographer and educator, Kurilo has transitioned to a project manager role at a local NGO, “Defense of the State.” She expressed her eagerness to contribute to her community, focusing on providing free legal assistance to military personnel, veterans, and their families.
Kurilo has become a recognizable figure in her community, often approached by locals who remember her story. “Some people are surprised that I returned home, thinking I would stay in Europe,” she noted. While she appreciates the support, she also seeks to live a normal life, free from the burdens of her past notoriety.
Despite the ongoing dangers in Chuhuiv, where missile strikes continue to pose a threat, Kurilo remains committed to her home. She is currently living in a temporary residence a few kilometers from Chuhuiv, as her apartment is still under repair. “I feel safer where I am now, but I hope to return to my apartment once the war is over,” she said.
On February 24, 2022, Chuhuiv was struck by a missile, resulting in significant damage and loss of life, including the death of a 13-year-old boy, marking a tragic beginning to the conflict in the region.
Oksana Kurilo has returned to Chuhuiv after extensive medical treatment abroad for injuries sustained in a missile strike. Now working as a project manager, she faces ongoing health challenges while striving to contribute to her community amidst the continuing conflict.
