Grieving mother returns to teaching after losing daughter in missile attack
- Olena Kohut, a celebrated organist in Sumy, was killed in an April missile attack.
- Russian aggression has intensified in Sumy, with significant troop presence near the border.
- The local community is grappling with loss and calling for awareness of their situation.
In April 2025, a devastating missile attack took the life of Olena Kohut, a well-known organist and member of the local philharmonic in Sumy, Ukraine. The city, located just 15 miles from the Russian border, has experienced increased aggression from Russian troops, with reports indicating that at least 50,000 soldiers have mobilized across the border. This violence has led to a surge of casualties, prompting both locals and media to highlight the urgent need for international attention on the ongoing conflict. Natalia Tsybulko, a music teacher and mother of Olena, faced an overwhelming sense of loss as she returned to the classroom following her daughter's tragic death. Natasha's journey through grief has been compounded by the harsh realities of living in a city frequently targeted by missile strikes. Residents of Sumy, including Natalia and her neighbors, have witnessed horrifying events during the ongoing conflict, ushering in an atmosphere of fear and mourning. Many in the region have been personally affected by the violence, with some, like Volodymyr Silvanovskyi, reflecting on the deaths of close friends and family members. As the situation escalates, the local community rallies to support one another in their shared grief. Nadia Hryn, who oversees the music conservatory, also dealt with the loss of friends in the philharmonic. Yanina Mykhaylova recalls a chilling account of Olena reaching out to a friend following an explosion. The details of that fateful day have made the shock of loss even more poignant. The targeting of cultural hubs like the philharmonic highlights how civilian spaces are not exempt from the violence ravaging the region. Despite the uncertainty and pain of recent events, the people of Sumy continue to express their desire for recognition and understanding of their plight. As international attention fluctuates, the residents remain steadfast in their longing for peace amid turmoil. With the continuing threat of attacks, there is a palpable need for greater awareness from the wider world about the situation in Ukraine and the resilience of its people.