KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – Maryna Homeniuk, a 24-year-old English teacher, fled Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion four years ago. After completing her degree in the Czech Republic, where she notably added Vietnamese to her impressive repertoire of around 10 languages, she returned to Ukraine in 2023. It was during this time that she met her partner, Yurii Orlov.
Tragically, both Homeniuk and Orlov were killed during a severe wave of Russian airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of 24 individuals. A cruise missile struck their apartment building, marking what Ukrainian military officials described as one of the most significant onslaughts of the war. Friends and family members gathered to pay their final respects to Homeniuk, although Orlov's body was not yet ready for burial.
Olesia Yukhnovych, a friend of Homeniuk, expressed her sorrow by stating, “She was a very caring person. I feel very sorry because she had so many dreams.” Homeniuk had aspirations of becoming a parent when circumstances improved. Friends noted her passion for working with children and her love for animals, as she often rescued abandoned pets and saved for adventures around the globe.
Homeniuk and Orlov, who was 30 years old at the time of their deaths, had built a supportive relationship despite their differing interests—her passion for art complemented his love for sports. Friends remarked on how they shared a deep bond, which was evident in their traditions; Homeniuk attended every one of Orlov's games on Sundays, and he taught her how to play floorball while she helped him improve his English skills.
Yukhnovych reflected on the heartbreaking turn of events, stating, “It’s a shame. I should have been helping prepare for the wedding, and I ended up helping prepare for the funeral. It’s horrible.” The couple's deaths came after a particularly difficult winter filled with relentless Russian attacks on Kyiv. Homeniuk and Orlov had often discussed moving from their neighborhood, Darnytsia, on Kyiv's left bank, where power outages were more frequent, but they were unable to afford relocation.
Yukhnovych shared that she texted Homeniuk following the attack, hoping to check on her well-being, but received no response. She expressed the shock of losing someone close, stating, “You never think something could happen to someone close to you… I never thought this would be one of those times when the message would remain unread.”
Their untimely deaths are emblematic of the ongoing impact of the war in Ukraine, highlighting the tragic loss of young lives and dreams amid the turmoil. Friends and family of Homeniuk mourn the aspirations that will now never come to fruition, reflecting the broader sense of helplessness felt in a country grappling with conflict and uncertainty.
