Voluntary Enlistment of 'Ukraine Yeon', Killed in Action by Russian Military Attack

Serving as a Medic on the Battlefield
Waves of Memorials Continue Locally

[Asia Economy Reporter Bora Lee] Mariana Kvitoyka, a woman who returned to her homeland after 14 years to defend Ukraine and enlisted in the military, died in battle against Russian forces.

According to Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne and other media on the 25th (local time), Mariana Kvitoyka, a member of the 102nd Separate Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces fighting Russian troops in western Ivano-Frankivsk, was killed in action.

On the day, Mariana's family mourned, saying, "Another warrior has lost her life," and "Mariana was a symbol of courage. She was the most beautiful 'flower' on the battlefield for Ukraine."

They added, "You are a hero of Ukraine. We will remember you forever." Mariana's call sign was 'Kvitka,' which means 'flower' in Ukrainian.

Mariana was born and raised in Ivano-Frankivsk in western Ukraine and worked as a doctor in her hometown. Later, she moved to Italy, where her mother and sister lived, and started a family. She had a 14-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter.

While living well abroad, Mariana decided to return and enlist after witnessing the horrors of war through broadcasts. She served as a medic on the war-torn frontlines of her homeland, which was suffering from a shortage of medical personnel, dedicating herself to treating wounded comrades.

On the 21st, Mariana gave an interview saying, "When sorrow cast its shadow over my homeland, I realized that I must protect my country. If not us, then who will defend our land?" She added, "I am here on the frontlines so that my children can return to our home in my hometown. No matter how strong evil is, good always triumphs."

During this time, Mariana was seriously wounded by a Russian mortar attack and fought for her life for two days before passing away on the 25th. Following Mariana's death, a wave of mourning has continued in Ukraine, praising her as a "model of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism."

Meanwhile, as Russian forces were pushed onto the defensive by Ukraine's determined resistance, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a mobilization order for reservists in a national address on the 21st.