10-летний Роман, потерявший маму и переживший ракетный обстрел, выиграл международный конкурс аккордеонистов

For more than three years, Ukrainian children have not lived in the usual realities of childhood, but in an atmosphere of anxiety, loss and uncertainty. Some of them are forced to leave their homes under shelling, others spend the night in basements and hide in shelters instead of a school classroom. There are those who daily wait for news from the front from their father or brother, and there are those who have already buried their relatives and suffered from rocket attacks. They see death closer than cartoons and learn adult life without the right to a break. But even in this reality, children burned by war are able to shine — like a candle that cannot be blown out. One such story was the victory of 10-year-old Roman Oleksiv at the international accordion accordionist competition InterSvitiaz Accomusic 2025, which recently ended in Lutsk. He went on stage with a musical instrument and a heart with a scar that will never heal.

A victory in which more than talent is invested

On July 14, 2022, 29 people were killed as a result of a Russian missile attack on Vinnytsia. Among them was the mother of 10-year-old Roman. He himself miraculously survived, but received severe burns and numerous injuries. He had to undergo dozens of complex operations and long rehabilitation in Germany. It was months of pain, physical and emotional, but there were those who believed — and Roman himself, despite everything, held on to music.

Music for him became not only support, but also salvation. After returning to Ukraine, the boy entered the Lviv Music School and started playing the accordion. In a class where other children worry about scales and solfeggio, Roman has already experienced what breaks adults. But that’s why each of his tunes sounds as if behind each note is something much deeper than technique or rhythm.

Participants from several countries gathered at the InterSvitiaz Accomusic 2025 competition. The jury consisted of leading performers, teachers, artists. But when Roman came on stage, the hall fell silent. His performance not only impressed with skill, it spoke volumes. The music sounded like a personal confession: quietly, honestly, without pathos.

According to the results of the competition, Roman Oleksiv took first place, receiving the highest evaluation of the jury. In addition, he was awarded a special prize of the Shchegelsky family, as well as an award from People’s Artist of Ukraine Serhii Hrinchenko. But the greatest reward, without a doubt, was the reaction of the hall — people listened standing, with tears in their eyes.

Photo: news.vn.ua

Not only a victory, but also an example

Roman’s story is not only about war and tragedy. This is a story about how a child who has lost the most precious thing can stay alive — in the full sense of the word. Not just to survive, but to continue growing, dreaming, performing, learning. And find the strength to give something to others.

Today, Roman lives in Lviv, continues his studies, and, according to his teachers, he does not miss classes and always comes with finished works. He dreams not just to become a musician, but to play on a big stage so that «people listen and become kinder.»

We often talk about indomitability as a symbol. But when it has a name, a face and a voice, it becomes a reality. Roman Oleksiv is one of the thousands of Ukrainian children who had to face the war even before they were teenagers. But instead of being silent, he chose to speak. And his music testifies: even if the world around is collapsing, something can remain inside that cannot be destroyed.