They fled Ukraine because of the war, but died in Belgium: the high-profile murder of a mother and daughter

After the start of the full-scale invasion of Russia, millions of Ukrainians were forced to leave the country. The European Union reacted quickly and systematically — it activated the Directive on temporary protection, opened schools, medical facilities, labor markets, and social support programs. In Belgium, as in many other countries, Ukrainian families received shelter, a roof over their heads, basic security and access to infrastructure. However, this external security does not always mean real security. Despite acceptance, respect and help, Ukrainians in Europe remain a vulnerable group: due to ignorance, language barrier, psychological pressure, traumatic war experience. Sometimes, in addition to administrative and social difficulties, they face something that does not fit into the framework of any system – with tragic, even fatal situations. One of them was the murder of a Ukrainian woman and her child in Belgium, a country that is considered stable and peaceful.

A terrible case in Belgium

The bodies of 46-year-old Ukrainian Liliya and her six-year-old daughter Anna were found by firefighters in the Belgian village of Haasrode, near the city of Leuven. Rescuers were called by neighbors – in the morning they saw smoke coming from one of the private houses. This house used to belong to a local priest, but later it was given by the municipality for a temporary lease – as housing for Ukrainian refugees.

When the fire was extinguished, two bodies were found inside. The woman was dead before rescuers arrived, they tried to resuscitate the girl, but it was unsuccessful – she died on the spot. Multiple stab wounds were found on both bodies. Traces of violence were obvious, and the circumstances indicated that the fire was staged to cover up the crime. According to Belgian media (GARDEN, Sudinfo and The Free), the fire started after the murder. The police qualified the case as a double murder.

The investigation is being conducted by the prosecutor’s office of the city of Leuven. As of now, examinations, interrogations and analysis of video recordings from surveillance cameras are ongoing. Suspects or versions of motives have not been officially announced.

The woman who was killed was a Ukrainian named Liliya, originally from the south-east of Ukraine. She lived in Belgium with her daughter and 16-year-old son, whom she took into custody. The family lived in the country for three years, meaning they arrived before the full-scale invasion, but remained in protected status. At the time of the fire, the eldest son was at school and was not injured.

The child’s father is a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, he remains at the front. His identity has not been disclosed, however, as sources confirm, the family had contact with him and maintained a relationship.

The local priest, who used to own the house where the tragedy happened, commented on the murder as a “terrible grief”:

“These people fled Ukraine because of the war, hoping to build a better life. And then this happened to them. It’s scary. They fled the war and died here.”

Social Context: Vulnerability Even in a “Safe Place”

Despite social guarantees, shelters and provision of basic needs, Ukrainians in Europe often remain isolated — linguistically, psychologically, and culturally. This especially applies to women with children who have lost their support — either temporarily (a husband is at war) or permanently (lost loved ones as a result of hostilities). They often live in social housing, do not always know local legislation, and have a limited circle of communication.

Belgium, like most European countries, provides asylum, but does not always ensure effective integration. Local communities do not always understand the emotional and everyday difficulties these people face. And guardianship services, the police, municipal bodies often work reactively — when something critical has already happened.

Against this background, tragedies like the murders of Lilia and Anna reveal how thin this “protective layer” between European stability and refugee life really is. A person can live among green streets and beautiful houses, but remain completely vulnerable.

Public reaction: sympathy, but also questions

After the information about the crime was made public, Belgian social networks, media and church structures expressed their condolences to the family of the victims. The school where Lilia’s son studied has organized psychological support for students. The community of Haasrode rallied around the family, but at the same time, questions arose in the society – who could be involved in this, whether it is not about expressions of hatred, whether the woman had conflicts, whether she had previously sought help.

There is no official information yet on whether this is a xenophobic crime, domestic violence or some other motive. That is why Belgian commentators urge not to make hasty conclusions before the investigation is completed.

The public prosecutor’s office of the city of Leuven has already classified the case as the intentional murder of two people. Investigators have camera footage, witness statements, and the results of preliminary examinations, but investigators are not releasing information until the initial investigation is complete. The first official version is expected to be released in the coming weeks, followed by the circumstances, motive and identity of the suspect or suspects.

The bodies of Lilia and Anna should be handed over for burial with the participation of the Ukrainian community. The fate of the son is under the care of social services. The Embassy of Ukraine in Belgium is monitoring the situation.

This tragedy exposes the contradictory reality of the life of Ukrainian refugees in Europe. On the one hand, reception, humanitarian aid, respect for status, creation of conditions for integration. On the other hand, there is defenselessness in the face of domestic threats, psychological isolation, the risk of violence, and sometimes death far from home.

The case of Haasrode is not typical and does not reflect the general refugee situation.