European champion Viktoria Onopriyenko came under fire in Kyiv
European rhythmic gymnastics champion Viktoria Onopriyenko survived the Russian attack on Kyiv on September 23 and described her feelings during the shelling.
Viktoria described the fear she felt and admitted that at the moment of the explosions, she thought of her loved ones and was already “saying goodbye to life.”
“Today, I experienced firsthand what it’s like when death is just seconds away. And, honestly, it’s very hard to put into words what happens to you in that moment…
The first explosion—and you just freeze. The second—and you no longer know what to do. Your arms and legs start to go numb, feeling like they’re made of cotton. Your heart is pounding wildly, and your mind is a blank.
And the scariest part is that, in a single second, you start saying goodbye to your life.
You think of your mom. Your dad. Your loved ones. The people you love. And one thought: “Is this really it? Could I actually die right now?” Onoprienko wrote.
After the next explosions, the athlete realized she was in the midst of a real attack.
“And then you hear another explosion and realize that this isn’t a nightmare. It’s reality. The reality that Russia has been bringing to our cities for so many years now.
I don’t want to search for the ‘right’ words to describe those who launch rockets and drones at our cities every day. To me, they are terrorists. People who deliberately bring death, fear, and destruction to Ukraine,” Victoria added
The athlete emphasized that she does not want to get used to living under constant threat.
“I hate this war. I hate that because of Russia, Ukrainians are forced to live in constant fear for their lives. I hate that we have to learn to survive instead of simply living.
Today, I felt once again just how thin the line is between ‘I’m living my life’ and ‘I might not be here anymore.’ And today in Kyiv, that line, unfortunately, became the final one for someone—as of now, two people have died and another 25 have been wounded as a result of the Russian attack on September 23.
I was there. I heard those explosions. I felt that fear with every fiber of my being. And I will never accept this as something normal.
Take care of yourselves. Hug your loved ones and tell them “I love you” right now. We don’t know how much time we have left,” Onopriienko said.
The athlete shared this on Instagram.
In Kyiv, the number of people injured in the drone attack has risen to 41.
Klitschko also reported damage to the capital’s civilian and transportation infrastructure. The full extent of the attack and the number of casualties may be revised.
Separately, a fire was reported at the “Shayba” market near the train station. According to Ukrzaliznytsia, the station building was not damaged.
Amid the strikes, passengers were urged to avoid Ukrzaliznytsia facilities.
Due to the heightened air threat, Kyiv City Express service was temporarily suspended in both directions this morning. “Ukrzaliznytsia” also reported that one of its employees was injured while returning home after his shift.
In addition, a Ukrnafta gas station in Kyiv was completely destroyed following a Russian attack.
