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Ukrainian paramedic remembered for her bravery

Valentyna Pushych was shot to death while on her way to evacuate injured people from the outskirts of Kyiv

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Ukrainian paramedics cover with the national flag the grave of their fallen colleague Valentyna Pushych in a cemetery in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Saturday.

Photo/Associated Press

By the Associated Press undefined

KYIV, Ukraine — A Ukrainian paramedic who was shot while on her way to evacuate injured people from the outskirts of Kyiv was buried in the country’s capital on Saturday.

Valentyna Pushych was known locally as “Romashka,” which means “Daisy.” A friend described her as a “daredevil,” who was never afraid to “get under bullets.’

She was always “running to the most dangerous places” to rescue the injured, Nataliia Voronkova said.
Pushych used to be a well-paid worker at a transport and logistic company. But in 2016, she joined the army as a paramedic in response to the separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Several women, including some dressed in camouflage jackets, cried as her body lay in a casket at a service. A portrait of Pushych was on a wall nearby.

At the cemetery, red roses were placed on Pushych’s body. After she was buried, the dirt was covered with the flag of Ukraine.

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