A Ukrainian woman who survived a Russian missile strike on her home vows to do everything she can to stand by her country.
Olena Kurilo, 52, whose viral photo of her bloody face has become a symbol for the human toll of Russia's invasion, spoke to reporters after she left a hospital in Chuguev.
Covered in bandages, Kurilo told Euronews her house was completely destroyed by the bomb.
"I am just very lucky, I must have a very strong guardian angel for me to have stayed alive."
Russia invaded Ukraine on Thursday, after earlier this week declaring two regions within it to be independent.
Within moments of Russian President Vladimir Putin announcing a special military operation on Thursday, explosions were heard throughout Ukraine with missile strikes recorded against several Ukrainian bases and fighting underway across the country.
Kurilo is a teacher that has studied the history of Ukraine and wrote war poems with students, but she never thought an invasion would happen.
"I never thought such a thing could happen," Kurilo told the outlet. "I never thought that this would truly happen in this lifetime."
According to the independent Russian newspaper The Moscow Times, the explosion left a crater around 15 feet wide between two badly damaged apartment buildings and 20 people remain in hospital.
"I only managed to think in that second 'My God, I'm not ready to die'," Kurilo said. "I was in shock, I felt no pain."
Kurilo, who says glass shards flew into her face, has vowed to remain in Ukraine and fight despite her injuries.
"I will do everything for Ukraine, as much as I can, with as much energy as I have. I will always only be on my motherland's side."
