Kyiv, July 16, 2025 — An international panel discussion titled “Not Alone: The Power of Community for Women Affected by War” was held at the UCMC’s Press Center. The event focused on the experiences of women who have survived missile attacks and sustained life-altering injuries, and explored how both Ukrainian and international communities can support them on their path to a dignified, full life.
At the center of the event was the personal story of a civilian woman who survived a drone attack in Kyiv. Alyona Palamarchuk, a 21-year-old from Kyiv, was severely wounded in a Shahed drone explosion. Her life was saved by a team of doctors at the Kyiv City Clinical Emergency Hospital, including through the use of VAC (negative pressure wound) therapy. Alyona shared her experience with the audience, focusing on her long recovery journey, which was made possible thanks to the immediate actions of dedicated medical professionals.
Her doctor, Lesya Zgrzheblovska, a professor at the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, offered her perspective on Alyona’s case and highlighted the specific risks that women face in such attacks. She emphasized that trauma in women caused by drone explosions can be more dangerous than in men due to female physiology and the higher risk of severe blood loss. She also discussed the challenges hospitals face in treating such injuries and stressed the need for consistent international support, particularly in terms of modern medical equipment and medications.
Lionel Blackman, a British lawyer and founder of the charity Surrey Stands With Ukraine, shared how Alyona’s story inspired him to respond more actively to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. He spoke about the unequal access to healthcare for men and women both in the UK and in Ukraine. He also reflected on the origins of his charity, which was inspired by two Ukrainian women living in Surrey, and their motivation to amplify personal survivor stories to encourage British citizens to support Ukraine.
Noel Sutter, a California-based volunteer, Rotary Club member, and coordinator of aid for women and hospitals in Kharkiv, spoke about what she has learned from Ukrainian women during her time in the country. She noted that American society often does not fully grasp the depth of the crisis in Ukraine, and shared powerful stories of women she met in various regions who deeply moved and motivated her.
Anna Glotova, co-founder of the Ukrainian Pickleball Federation, offered a business perspective, discussing corporate social responsibility in the context of humanitarian crises. She emphasized that businesses should do more to support injured civilian women and aid in their recovery. She also pointed out that international support for Ukraine should not be seen as an act of pity, but rather as an investment in the recovery of a strong and promising European country.
At the end of the event, all speakers shared words of solidarity with Ukrainian women who have survived missile strikes and may feel lost, alone, or broken. Each speaker committed to one personal action they will take to help make the issue more visible and to contribute to the support network for survivors.
For a more in-depth look into Alyona Palamarchuk’s story, watch the full interview here:
You can support the Kyiv Emergency Care Hospital — the medical facility that saved the life of our featured survivor — by donating through this link: https://send.monobank.ua/jar/485EogpmDk.
