A powerful story by Ukrainian-Australian, Pete Shmigel, about Valeria ‘Lera’ Stepanenko and her partner Victorian man, Sage O’Donnell, who was killed late last year defending Ukraine from the Russian invasion, has been published in the Kyiv Post.
Sage is one of the seven Australians and New Zealanders who have died while serving with Ukrainian forces. Before his final deployment, Sage wrote a letter to be opened if he died. Addressed to all Ukrainians he said “You taught me to love and be loved by people and God…I can tell you with all honesty you changed my life”.
Together with the memory of the ANZACs, we pay respect to the courage and noble values of Mr O’Donnell and his fellow Aussies and New Zealanders.
We feel deeply sorry for the loss suffered by Lera and all families who have lost loved ones.
Vichanaya Pamyat to these great heroes.
Photo Source: Kyiv Post
