Volunteer Olena Polynina, who cared for stray animals in frontline territories, was killed by a Russian attack on Sloviansk, Donetsk region.
According to the U-Hearts organization, on October 30, Olena took food and went to feed the animals she cared for. At that moment, the city came under fire from a multiple rocket launcher system. Two other people were killed alongside Olena.
After the full-scale invasion began, Olena and her family left Sloviansk for Lutsk, where she started volunteering, sending humanitarian aid to the Donetsk region. She later returned home to care for abandoned dogs and cats, risking her life under shelling.
Olena is survived by her husband, two children, and father.
Deepest condolences to the family.