Ukrainian Girl, 8, Appeals Directly to Putin for Medical Help for Wounded Uncle
Kyiv, Ukraine – November 7, 2025 – In an remarkable plea broadcast across Russian state television, an eight-year-old Ukrainian girl has directly appealed to President Vladimir Putin to ensure her uncle receives medical treatment after being injured fighting on the front lines. The televised address, a rare instance of direct communication between a Ukrainian civilian and the Russian leader, underscores the devastating human cost of the ongoing conflict and raises questions about access to medical care for wounded soldiers on both sides.
The girl, identified only as Sofiya, delivered her message in a trembling voice, requesting Putin’s intervention to help her uncle, whose name has not been released, receive necessary care. “I ask Putin to help my uncle who was injured on the front line receive treatment,” she stated, her words broadcast on the “Let Them Talk” program on Channel One Russia. The broadcast sparked immediate reaction, with Ukrainian officials condemning what they called a manipulative attempt by Russia to portray a humanitarian image while continuing its military aggression. The incident highlights the complex and frequently enough heartbreaking realities faced by families caught in the crossfire of the war, and the desperate measures they take to secure medical attention for loved ones.
The circumstances surrounding Sofiya’s appearance on Russian television remain unclear. Ukrainian authorities have launched an investigation into how the girl was contacted and whether her participation was coerced. While Russia has previously offered humanitarian corridors and medical assistance, these efforts have often been met with skepticism from Ukraine, which accuses Russia of using such gestures for propaganda purposes. The case also draws attention to the broader issue of prisoner-of-war treatment and access to medical care for combatants injured in the conflict, a persistent concern for international humanitarian organizations.
