Ukrainian Mom Writes Contact Info On Her Kid's Back For This Heartbreaking Reason

A social media post claimed that Ukrainian mothers are writing contact information on the backs of their children in wake of the Russian invasion. Ukrainian artist and mother Sasha Makoviy shared an image of her daughter's back inked with names and addresses along with notes of contacts in her backpack. The picture was reshared by Ukrainian journalist Anastasiia Lapatina on her social media feed who also revealed that this wasn't an isolated incident.

The journalist Lapatina has been working with Kyiv Independent, reporting on the war and death that has engulfed Ukraine since February 24, the day when Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, invaded the country. She posted a picture of a little girl's back, covered with blue coloured ink mentioning the name and address of family contacts.

She wrote, "Ukrainian mothers are writing their family contacts on the bodies of their children in case they get killed and the child survives. And Europe is still discussing gas." In the comment section, she further mentioned the source of the image and it linked back to Makoviy's Instagram account. The image shared by Lapatina has already gotten more than 43 thousand retweets and more than 125 thousand likes.

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Ukrainian Mothers Write Family Contacts On Children

Makoviy, whose bio states that she is an artist interested in filmography, fashion, contemporary art and nature, posted a picture of a young girl in her diaper. On her back, a name, Vira Makovy, was written with the last letter of the last name fading out. The young girl's small back was filled with details of where she can find assurance and safety in case her mother dies while they flee the torn land.

Makoviy wrote, "So deviated from Insta that five minutes was looking for the "post " button. Accumulated thoughts and feelings, and there was no strength in the publication. But you need to talk. To yourself first and foremost. Going through the photo gallery is painful."

Ukrainian mothers are writing their family contacts on the bodies of their children in case they get killed and the child survives.

She further stated that the picture was of Virina's back on the first day of the war. "I signed her with my hand that were trembling. But why would you tell? You already know what it's like to wake up to the loud and powerful sounds of explosions ringing for dozens of miles. I was shaking the first hours as you did. Signed faith in case something happens to us, and someone will pick up the survivor. Or she'll get lost which too by my logic could only have happened with my blackout," she wrote.

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Stating her worries, she added, "Then even a mad thought 'why didn't I tattoo her with this information?' 'And I still can't get myself to pull out the jumper's pocket that's in the second photo. We are somewhere safe for now though. New Year's Eve at #viraimama."

The picture's location is given as Kyiv- Ukraine's capital city. Ever since the war began, around 3.6 million Ukrainians have left the country. These are just the data of women and children. While men between the age of 18 and 60 were asked to stay back in the country and fight against Russia.

The United Nations has also warned that children, who are fleeing the war land, especially ones who have been separated from their parents are at higher risk of being trafficked for sexual or work purposes. Reportedly, at least 500 children from Ukraine have crossed to Romania on their own from February 24 till March 14.

Feature Image Credit: Sasha Makoviy