Happy Child logo

She saved orphans in Mariupol from shelling

December 15, 2022, 11:45 350 Author: Diana Kozlova suspilne.media A resident of Mariupol was awarded the Order of Merit posthumously.

She saved orphans in Mariupol from shelling

Natalia Krasilnikova.

Natalya Krasilnikova, the head of the Children's Service of the Mariupol City Council, was involved in the evacuation of orphans and foster children from family-type homes from the first days of the full-scale invasion of the russian federation into Ukraine. She received a state award posthumously.

In the summer, the press service of the Mariupol City Council reported that Natalya Krasilnikova died along with her entire family — her husband and two daughters, Angelina and Renata, from a direct hit by a Russian projectile in their house.

She saved orphans in Mariupol from shelling

Natalya Krasilnikova with her daughters.

"She saved orphaned children from shelling. She is known as a person with a big heart. She helped orphans find a loving family. Always advocated a happy childhood and did everything for it. Even during hostilities," the mayor's office said.

Natalya Krasilnikova, head of the "Children's Service" department of the Mariupol City Council, was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit, III degree.

Without proper treatment, 17-year-old Tymofii Shatulskyi cannot control his serious illness.
Please, help raise funds for life-saving medication!

Happy Child foundation - effective help to the most needy children of the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine

They need help:
Myron Brekher
Myron Brekher

Second-degree body burns, burn disease

Help now

You donated in 2026

$69 237

Full report

Our expenses in 2026
51 sick children $24 682
Medical equipment:$414
Humanitarian help:$13 639
To disabled children:$30 119
To orphans and poor children:$7 375
Tourism program:$3 793
Help to adults:$5 261
Service expenses:$13 676
Total sum of expenses: $99 459

$7 574 790

donated since 2007