Artem lost a limb – how a conversation can save a child's life

08.07.2026

The worst thing that war and Russian aggression take away is children's health, their right to a carefree childhood, and their future, which the enemy tries to destroy every day.

Alla Melnychuk, founder of the Charitable Organization "Mother and Child", often sees the consequences of Russian aggression not from the news. One such story is that of Artem, a boy who lost a limb after picking up an unidentified object while playing. Childish curiosity turned into a tragedy that changed the life of the child and the entire family.

Now Artem is undergoing treatment and complex rehabilitation. Ahead is a long journey: pain, effort, recovery and the fight for the opportunity to live a full life.

In such stories, it becomes especially clear how important the people are who stand by the child in the most difficult moments. The team of the Charitable Organization "Mother and Child" is sincerely grateful to Kyiv City Children's Clinical Hospital No. 1 and all the doctors who save children and go through the most difficult stages of treatment and recovery with them.

Special thanks to the head doctor, Yevheniia Hryhorieva, who does everything possible to support such children and their families on this difficult path.

The organization is also grateful to all benefactors, thanks to whom it can be with children during treatment, help them undergo rehabilitation, and support families when they need it most.

Unfortunately, there are more such stories than it seems. War cripples children not only with rockets, explosions and shrapnel. It leaves danger where a child can simply play or find an unfamiliar object near home.

That is why Alla Melnychuk urges all parents: talk to your children. Explain to them that no unfamiliar objects should be picked up, touched, opened or moved. Remind children of simple but vital rules: do not touch, move away, call an adult and report to the relevant services.

Take care of yourselves, your loved ones and your children. Because our children are the most precious thing. And we must do everything to give them a chance to grow up healthy and happy.