Tension al maximo en frontera Rusia-Ucrania, mientras en Sláviansk severos combates internos

I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Valeriia (Lera) Maksetska, a member of our Chemonics family. She was killed in a village west of Kyiv while trying to get medication for her sick mother. The car she was in was gunned down by a Russian tank. Lera and Yaroslav, her driver, were killed, and her mother, Irina, was injured and later died from her wounds.

Like all our staff in Ukraine, Lera was deeply committed to her work and the goal of strengthening Ukraine’s democracy. As a procurement manager on one of our Ukraine programs, she had spent years honing a keen ability to figure out how to get the goods and services her Ukrainian brothers and sisters needed to promote tolerance and unity in the face of increasing Russian aggression.

Lera was also devoted to Kyiv. In one of her last emails to her friends, she explained: “As an IDP from Donetsk, who lived in the war during 2014-2015, I took a decision to stay in Kyiv and help people here as much as I can. I completed HEAT training, so will be able to provide first aid to those who are here. As for now, I have internet, electricity, and everything for work and, of course, I'm available 24/7 and I'm in touch with all our partners, beneficiaries and vendors.” Her commitment and dedication never wavered.

She only ventured out on that fateful day because her mother needed medicine. For those selfless acts, she paid the ultimate price. After the attack, a good Samaritan who lived in the village carried Irina to her basement and gave her food and water. Sadly, Irina passed away.

Yaroslav was the cousin of one of our team members and drove many people to safety in his own car once the Russian military began hurling munitions. That day he just wanted to help a family in need. The man is a hero.

These are all senseless deaths. Please remember Lera, Yaroslav, Irina, and the amazing good Samaritan who cared for Irina. They are our heroes. We