The Ukrainian toddler whose desperate mother Sasha Makoviy wrote her name and contact details on her back is safe.
Makoviy scribbled crucial information on her daughter Vira’s skin soon after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine commenced in case the toddler became orphaned.
When the shocking image of little Vira was shared to Instagram earlier this month, it quickly garnered worldwide attention.
The image illustrated the horrific reality of Russia’s war on Ukraine as parents took drastic steps for fear they wouldn’t make it out alive.
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Weeks after the image first went viral, Makoviy has confirmed she and Vira escaped Ukraine and are now living in a rural French village with her mum Anna.
Makoviy, Vira and Anna are residing in a rental home near Béziers in southern France. The property was leant to them by a family wanting to help refugees.
Speaking to The Times in a new interview, Makoviy, 33, revealed she first feared she might lose Vira just hours after Putin ordered the invasion on 24 February.
She explained: “I wasn’t scared of dying but of being dead and the thought that nobody could bring up Vira as I would.
“For those who have lost their parents, for their mental health, it is really important to know that you were longed-for,” Makoviy added.
Makoviy worked as a painter, gallery assistant and art teacher in Kyiv, with her mum surrounding her with ‘love and books and art’ when she was a young girl - something she wants for her own daughter.
She also told the paper she felt as though she was more prepared than others for Russia’s invasion, as during a trip to the country years earlier she was left feeling uneasy by an announcement she heard declaring Russia as ‘the best country in the world’.
She also credited her travels around Europe for helping her prepare for Russia’s invasion, pointing to the fact she had heard warnings from American and British intelligence as early as November that Putin’s invasion was imminent.
Makoviy started to pack up essentials including medicine and water, prompting her friends to accuse her of ‘behaving hysterically’.
She also recalled reading information that recommended scissors be packed as part of an essential item kit, as they can remove clothing in emergencies.
Makoviy said this is why she decided to write on Vira's back.
Once she left Ukraine with her daughter, Makoviy fled first to Vinnytsia, southwest of Kyiv, before crossing the border into Romania.
Makoviy and Vira then flew to Belgium before moving on to France.
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information
Aisha Nozari