Nina Shoptenko, 77, was originally from the Briansk region of Russia, where she spent her childhood and youth. She met her future husband, Valentyn Ivanovych, while working at a textile factory. The couple settled in Bilopillia, Valentyn’s hometown, and had two daughters. Valentyn died in 1999.
Nina worked at a machine-building plant and later in a sausage workshop. After retiring she dedicated her free time to her home and family. She had plans to get a passport and visit her grandson abroad.
Nina’s daughter Mariia recalled:
‘My parents always lived in harmony. From childhood, I remember them always supporting each other – always side by side.’
On 26 April, Nina was killed by a Russian Grad missile strike on Bilopillia. Following an initial round of shelling, the attack appeared to be over and Nina left her house to take some memorial treats – candies and cookies – to a neighbour. Another neighbor had asked her to help distribute them in memory of her late husband.
Nina stopped to chat to a man who was watching over his goslings near his yard. Suddenly the Russian Grad rockets returned. Instinctively, Nina turned to run back home. She was killed by a Russian shell which exploded next to her before she could get to safety.
Nina leaves behind her two daughters, Oksana and Mariia. At least 2,087 Ukrainian civilians were killed in the conflict in 2024, and many thousands more were injured.