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11‑year‑old Ukraine war victim urges US to help end conflict

Misha Komadovsky in Washington, D.C.
February 23, 2026

In Ukraine, four years of war have taken a tremendous human toll. DW met one young survivor of a Russian attack who traveled to the United States to lobby for continued American support for his country.

https://p.dw.com/p/59IOs

Eleven‑year‑old Roman Oleksiv, badly injured in a Russian missile strike that killed his mother, is now in Washington sharing his story with US lawmakers. After multiple surgeries, he uses music and dance as therapy. Roman urges Congress to support Ukraine and protect its children, while rallies in Washington call for stronger sanctions and aid to help end the war.

Misha Komadovsky
Misha Komadovsky Washington correspondent focussing on foreign policy, global diplomacy and Russia's war in Ukraine.@komadovsky