Roman Oleksiv, the boy who survived the 2022 Russian missile strike on Vinnytsia, has received his own home from Rinat Akhmetov, founder of the Foundation and President of FC Shakhtar. The keys to a two-room flat in Lviv were presented to Roman and his father by Chair of the Supervisory Board Nataliia Yemchenko and the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer Ksenia Sukhova.

“Rinat Akhmetov decided to present Romchyk with his own flat. It belongs to him personally and will allow him to keep up with music, dancing and physical activities, walk a great deal, and, most importantly, live close to his father’s workplace. We are absolutely delighted to have taken the first very important step along this journey, as Romchyk is an exceptionally bright and highly motivated child who aspires to many things and derives enormous joy from life,” said Nataliia YEMCHENKO.

“Roman is an extraordinary boy. He is a symbol of our country’s resilience and an example to others. His family has come through a very difficult journey to be able to smile today, to live, and to speak about the future. For the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, it is important to see this desire to live and to make plans,” emphasised Ksenia SUKHOVA.

For 11-year-old Roman and his father, having a home of their own in Lviv offers a chance to once again feel the comfort of a family home after their losses and hardships, and to begin a new chapter in their lives. This apartment was selected with particular attention to the family’s needs, in order to make their daily life as comfortable and functional as possible, allowing the boy to focus on his education, creativity, and recovery.

“We would like to express our gratitude to Rinat Leonidovych for this flat. It means a great deal to Romchyk. A rehabilitation centre is located nearby, allowing us to attend more frequently and continue his recovery. All of Lviv’s cultural and creative institutions are also close at hand, so we will be able to attend concerts more often and regularly visit the music school, lyceum, and academy,” said Yaroslav, Roman’s father.

“This flat is truly wonderful. I will be able to practise music and play the accordion, as it is on the top floor and there are hardly any neighbours nearby. The apartment flat is very spacious, which makes it very comfortable,” Roman shared.

Creative pursuits – music and ballroom dancing – have become a form of rehabilitation for the boy, helping him to distract himself from traumatic memories.

FC Shakhtar has also been a source of strong support for Roman, inspiring him with its resilience and belief in victory despite any challenges.

On the day of the tragedy – in July 2022 – the seven-year-old boy was at a medical clinic in Vinnytsia with his mother for a routine check-up when Russian forces launched a missile strike on the city centre. On that horrific day, Roman survived by a miracle but lost what mattered most – his mother. The boy himself sustained severe burns, with 45 per cent of his body affected, some of them of the most serious, fourth-degree severity.

Thirty-six complex operations and an exhausting course of rehabilitation are already behind him. After his condition was stabilised in Ukrainian hospitals, Roman was transferred to Germany, where he underwent numerous skin grafts and reconstructive procedures to repair damaged tissues. Doctors predict that his treatment may continue until he reaches adulthood.

Despite this, Roman refuses to give up. Today, he continues his rehabilitation, pursues his education, and devotes considerable time to creative activities. In 2025, he won the InterSvitiaz Accomusic international accordion competition and also took part in dance competitions.

Most importantly, Roman is actively raising global awareness of the impact of war on children in Ukraine. He has already met with Pope Francis, addressed the European Parliament, received the presidential award “Future of Ukraine”, and his story has been featured in the documentary Children on Fire.

“I do this to show that Ukrainians are resilient and that children, as a rule, suffer the most from war,” Roman noted.

Most recently, 11-year-old Roman also completed a 5 km run as part of the Boston Marathon. He admits it was not easy, but he persevered and dedicated the run to children who, like him, have been affected by Russia’s war against Ukraine. His story is proof that the will to live is stronger than war.