In the early hours of the morning of July 30, Russia launched an attack on a village on the outskirts of Kryvyi Rih, a large industrial city in Ukraine. In one night, more than 70 missiles and 280 drones pummeled the small community of Radushne.

The Voronovs, a devout Christian family, were sleeping soundly that night, unaware of the missile headed straight for their home. Their house exploded in an instant.

Of the 10 family members present at the time, five of their deaths have been confirmed. Artem and Olena were identified, alongside three of their 10 children: Mark, 17, Azariah Ilay, 11, and Emilia, 6. Unidentified human remains were found scattered around the disaster site.

Authorities are waiting for forensic examinations to verify these are the remains of Dominika, 15, Viorika, 14, Zakhar, 12, Federica, 10, and 18-month-old grandson Artem, who was spending time with his grandparents.

Danylo, a serviceman in the Ukrainian military, was away with his wife and was due to pick up his son that weekend. When he heard the news, he rushed to his childhood home to see what had become of his family.

“I lost everyone: my parents, sisters, brothers and son,” Danylo said.

A Plea for Peace

Later that morning, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a statement on X condemning the Russian military. He included a photo of the Voronovs, asking national leaders to help put an end to the violence that continues to affect hundreds of innocent families.

“It is important that these people are seen by those who make decisions — decisions at the Pentagon, in European capitals, and everywhere in the world where there is an opportunity to help Ukraine protect lives,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “Protecting lives is necessary.”

In addition to killing innocent Ukrainians, Russia has also destroyed hundreds of churches in Ukraine.

The Voronovs’ community created a memorial adorned with flowers, drawings, and toys. On Aug. 4, around 200 people came to pay their respects and say their final goodbyes to the family members who have died.

Their friends, relatives, and neighbors will always remember the family whose house was filled with children and laughter. Above all, the Voronovs will be remembered for their Christian conduct and faith that informed the way they lived.

“In the village,” one neighbor said, “they were known as an exemplary family who showed others how to be friends and how to love and support one another.”

Story by Bella Agnello

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