Ukrainian Man Finds Cat Alive In Rubble Of Shelled House Outside Kyiv

The heartbreak in Ukraine has become almost too much to bear.

People from around the world are watching as the war between Ukraine and Russia unfolds on social media. Hearts are pouring out to Ukrainian refugees, who are losing their homes, businesses, friends, and family, to the violence.

Although one man thought he lost everything, he returned to his destroyed home to find a small glimmer of hope in the rubble.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has been sharing stories of citizens whose lives have been eternally upended as a result of the Russian invasion that began at the end of February. One man lost his wife, his daughter, his two sons-in-law, and his mother-in-law to the violence. After Russian military forces shelled his hometown of Markhalivka in the Kyiv region, he returned to his destroyed home to find his house reduced to rubble. However, he was able to find his beloved pet cat, Marsik, still alive.

“Please make this heartbreak stop,” one user wrote.

“I am so sorry,” another said. “This is heartbreaking beyond comprehension.”

“This is heartbreaking,” another added. “Rest in peace.”

The First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, has also shared an open letter with the global media to address the atrocities of the ongoing war.

“What happened just over a week ago was impossible to believe. Our country was peaceful; our cities, towns, and villages were full of life,” she wrote in an open letter to the global media.

“On February 24th, we all woke up to the announcement of a Russian invasion. Tanks crossed the Ukrainian border, planes entered our airspace, missile launchers surrounded our cities. Despite assurances from Kremlin-backed propaganda outlets, who call this a ‘special operation’ - it is, in fact, the mass murder of Ukrainian civilians.”

“Perhaps the most terrifying and devastating of this invasion are the child casualties,” she went on. “Eight-year-old Alice who died on the streets of Okhtyrka while her grandfather tried to protect her. Or Polina from Kyiv, who died in the shelling with her parents. 14-year-old Arseniy was hit in the head by wreckage, and could not be saved because an ambulance could not get to him on time because of intense fires.”

“When Russia says that it is 'not waging war against civilians,' I call out the names of these murdered children first,” she said. “Our women and children now live in bomb shelters and basements. You have most likely all seen these images from Kyiv and Kharkiv metro stations, where people lie on the floors with their children and pets – trapped beneath. These are just consequences of war for some, for Ukrainians, it is now a horrific reality. In some cities, families cannot get out of the bomb shelters for several days in a row because of the indiscriminate and deliberate bombing and shelling of civilian infrastructure.”

“The first newborn of the war, saw the concrete ceiling of the basement, their first breath was the acrid air of the underground, and they were greeted by a community trapped and terrorized,” she continued. “At this point, there are several dozen children who have never known peace in their lives. This war is being waged against the civilian population, and not just through shelling.”

“I acknowledge those that have provided humanitarian aid to our citizens and thank you for your continued support,” she added. “And to our neighbors who have generously opened their borders to provide shelter for our women and children, thank you for keeping them safe, when the aggressor has rendered us unable to do so.”

“To all the people around the world who are rallying to support Ukraine. We see you!” she wrote. “We’re here watching and appreciate your support. Ukraine wants peace. But Ukraine will defend its borders. Defend its identity. These it will never yield.”

She then appealed to the media, writing, “keep showing what is happening here and keep showing the truth. In the information war raged by the Russian Federation, every piece of evidence is crucial.”

She concluded her letter with the message, “We will win. Because of our unity. Unity towards love for Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine!”