In the midst of the chaos and devastation caused by the war between Ukraine and Russia, a story of resilience and hope emerges. Hanna and Andriy Berezynets, a Ukrainian couple, were overjoyed when they found out they were expecting triplets. However, on the day their babies were due, war broke out and the little girls were born to the sound of Russian shells falling around them.
The couple’s journey began with a surprise during Hanna’s first ultrasound scan. What was initially thought to be a single baby turned out to be twins during their next visit to the doctor. And in a twist of fate, their third visit revealed that Hanna was actually pregnant with triplets. Overwhelmed with joy, they eagerly awaited the arrival of their three little miracles.
However, their happiness was overshadowed by the impending war. Rumors had been circulating about a possible Russian invasion, but Hanna and Andriy didn’t believe it until they received a message from Hanna’s brother, who was studying at a military school. He informed them that the war had started and urged them to leave Chernihiv, their hometown. Despite the looming danger, Hanna had a scheduled Caesarean section the next morning, and the hospital staff were preparing to deliver their first triplets in three years.
As Hanna went into the maternity hospital on 23 February 2022, Russian military vehicles entered the Chernihiv region. The city was immediately hit by shelling, causing widespread damage. Just minutes after the triplets were born – Emilia, Olivia, and Melania – the Ukrainian state border service officially announced the Russian invasion. The new family found themselves in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
Recovering from surgery, Hanna was instructed to take her newborns to a bomb shelter on the evening after giving birth. With the help of the hospital staff, she made the treacherous journey to the shelter, facing freezing temperatures. There, surrounded by approximately 100 other people with newborns, the nurses did their best to provide warmth and care for the premature babies.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the Berezynets family remained strong. Olivia, the smallest of the three, needed intensive care to survive. Hanna and Andriy made the difficult decision to stay together as a family and moved to the hospital’s first floor, where Olivia received the necessary medical attention. They endured the constant threat of explosions, running to the intensive care room during attacks to ensure their daughter’s safety.
After two weeks, Olivia was finally strong enough to leave intensive care. However, their journey to safety was far from over. Evacuation to Kyiv became necessary, but it was a perilous expedition due to the presence of Russian troops. What should have been a two-hour trip turned into a five-hour journey, as they navigated their way through danger.
With the assistance of volunteers, the family later found temporary refuge in Slovakia before ultimately returning to their hometown. Despite the physical and emotional hardship they endured, Hanna drew strength from her father Anatolii, a soldier in the Ukrainian army. His messages of courage and protection provided her with the resilience to face each day.
Tragically, Anatolii never made it home. He was killed in action in January 2023, leaving his family devastated and mourning their loss. However, in the midst of the pain, Hanna and Andriy find solace in their triplets, who have brought an immeasurable amount of love and happiness into their lives.
The story of the Ukrainian triplets born into war is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of love. Despite the unimaginable circumstances they faced, the Berezynets family persevered, holding onto hope amidst the chaos. Their story serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us of the strength we can find within ourselves during the most challenging times.
This article was created with the purpose of sharing a story of resilience, hope, and love to inspire readers. By shedding light on the experiences of the Berezynets family, we hope to remind people of the importance of compassion, unity, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. Let their journey serve as a symbol of hope and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found.
