In a tragic image captured by Ukraine’s state emergency services, Anna Haidarzhy and her 4-month-old son, Tymofii, are barely visible under a bloodstained blanket in the rubble of an apartment block hit by a Russian drone attack in March. The photo has become a symbol of the civilian toll of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Anna’s husband, Serhii Haidarzhy, had survived the strike with their 2-year-old daughter, Lizi, and remained hopeful that his wife would be found alive. The couple had been married for over three years, with friends and family describing them as inseparable and deeply in love.
An amateur photographer, Mr. Haidarzhy had documented their family life on Instagram, capturing moments of joy and togetherness that now stand as poignant reminders of what has been lost. The couple had tried to maintain a sense of normalcy in Odesa despite the ongoing attacks, cherishing each moment together. However, their world was shattered by the drone strike that took Anna and Tymofii’s lives, leaving Mr. Haidarzhy to grapple with questions of why he survived and how to explain the loss to his daughter.
Mr. Haidarzhy met Anna at a Baptist summer camp in 2020, where their instant connection blossomed into a love story that led to marriage and two children. Described as warm, creative, and full of life, Anna had a remarkable ability to create beauty out of nothing. The tragedy of her death, along with Tymofii’s, has deeply impacted her family, who have endured past hardships at the hands of Moscow’s oppressive rule.
The funeral for Anna and Tymofii drew an outpouring of support from the community, with President Zelensky expected to attend before being forced to cancel due to a Russian missile strike nearby. During reflective moments, Mr. Haidarzhy expressed disbelief at the swift turn of events that led to the loss of his wife and son. The grief and pain experienced by his family are shared by many Ukrainians facing similar tragedies as a result of Russia’s invasion, underscoring the devastating impact of war on families and communities.
As Mr. Haidarzhy navigates the anguish of his loss and the challenge of raising his daughter without her mother and brother, the memories of Anna’s vibrant spirit and their love story continue to resonate. Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, the depth of their relationship and the indelible mark Anna left on those who knew her are evident. The story of the Haidarzhy family serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring strength of love and family bonds in the face of unimaginable loss.
