Ilia is a child who has endured significant suffering in his short life.

His hometown of Mariupol was ruthlessly bombarded by the Russians, resulting in his mother's tragic death due to falling debris, and the young boy sustained multiple shrapnel wounds. He was subsequently taken by the occupiers to a hospital in Donetsk, where he faced further physical and emotional torment. Notably, the surgery to remove shrapnel from his leg was conducted without anesthesia. Adults taunted him, insisting that he no longer say "Glory to Ukraine" but rather "Glory to Ukraine as part of Russia," and they forced him to write in Russian. Remarkably, despite his tender age, the young boy displayed remarkable resilience throughout these ordeals.

Thanks to the concerted efforts of numerous governmental and non-governmental entities and organizations, working closely with Ilia's grandmother, Olena, he was eventually repatriated from deportation. Presently, Ilia is undergoing rehabilitation and harbors aspirations of becoming a doctor, driven by the desire to be akin to the courageous individuals on the front lines, including combat medics and ordinary soldiers who he sees as genuine heroes.