Archive · 13 Dec 2025
Interpreter Breaks Down Translating Ukrainian Boy's War Story
An 11-year-old boy named Roman from Ukraine told his story in front of important people in Brussels.
He survived a big explosion caused by Russia that hurt him badly and killed his mom.
While he was talking, the person translating his words started crying because it was so sad.
Roman has had many surgeries to help him get better.
He is very brave, and even his country's president gave him an award.
Many other children in Ukraine have been hurt or lost their families because of the war.
Roman's story shows how the war has affected children and their families.
An interpreter broke down while translating an 11-year-old Ukrainian boy's testimony about surviving a Russian missile attack.
The attack in Vinnytsia killed 28 people, including the boy's mother, and left him with severe burns.
Roman has undergone 36 surgeries and received a state award for his resilience.
The incident occurred during a documentary screening in the European Parliament.
Ukrainian officials report that 676 children have been killed and nearly 2,000 have lost parental care since the invasion began.
- Who
- Roman Oleksiv, an 11-year-old Ukrainian boy, and an interpreter
- What
- An interpreter broke down while translating Roman's testimony about surviving a Russian missile attack that killed his mother
- When
- During a documentary screening in the European Parliament in December 2025
- Where
- European Parliament, Brussels
- Why
- Roman was recounting the traumatic experience of losing his mother in the attack
- Location
- European Parliament, Brussels
- Victim
- Roman Oleksiv (11 years old)
- Attack Location
- Vinnytsia, Ukraine
- Casualties
- 28 people killed, including Roman's mother
- Injuries
- Roman suffered burns on 50% of his body
- Surgeries
- 36 surgeries to treat burns
- Children Killed
- 676 children killed since February 2022
- Children Without Parental Care
- Nearly 2,000 children