A British woman who died as a combat medic in Ukraine “devoted her life to helping others”, her family say.
Katherine Mielniczuk went to the country after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 compelled to use her medical skills to help those in need, they said.
The 26-year-old, who graduated in chemistry from the University of Bristol, spent almost two years risking her life to provide medical supplies and emergency care to injured Ukrainian and foreign fighters, travelling to the most volatile stretches of the frontline, earning herself the nickname “Apache”.
Katherine Mielniczuk was found dead in a bed at her home on Christmas Eve morning— ( Supplied)
Her body was found in bed at her home on Christmas Eve morning by members of her unit, the 151st Special Operations Forces Unit. Her death is not being treated as suspicious, her family said.
Ms Mielniczuk, also known as Kat, was an “inspiration in resilience and grace” and the “kindest and most selfless person one could hope to meet”, they said.
An online fundraiser has so far collected almost £3,000 of £10,000 to repatriate Ms Mielniczuk to the UK.
Her family said: “It is impossible to truly convey what an incredible woman Katherine was or how deeply and widely she was loved and will be missed.
“Kasia is gone, but the endless warmth, love and grace she brought to the world will never be lost”.
Ukrainian volunteer organisation Project Konstantin, with whom she worked, said: “It is with deep regret that we announce the passing away of Kat.
The group, which supplies soldiers with medical and technical equipment, added: “Further information will be released later by the authorities.
“For now, we’re focusing on the pain that her family is enduring and we’re trying to appease their suffering by affording them the chance to fly out to Ukraine and we want to assist with repatriation costs.
“Rest in peace, Apache.”
It is believed that the 25-year-old was originally from a Polish-Ukrainian family— (Supplied)
Katherine’s family are set to fly out to Ukraine following her death— (Supplied)
The group set up a page for donations.
Canadian group HUGS Helping Ukraine - Grassroots Support paid tribute to her as “a unique and passionate volunteer”.
Ms Mielniczuk served as an instructor and combat medic with a group called Menace Medics.
In a Facebook post a day before her death, Ms Mielniczuk asked her followers to keep Ukrainian volunteers in their thoughts, writing that “many of us cannot return home or celebrate Christmas”.
She wrote: “The mental, physical, financial consequences of war are catastrophic and a kind word can hold tremendous power for us when we are losing hope and seeing tragedies daily.
“We prioritise fighting for a free Ukraine, for a prosperous and fruitful future for Ukrainian children.”
Ten years ago, when Ms Mielniczuk was 15, she was hailed a hero for rescuing a young fox cub trapped at the bottom of a large drop outside a terraced house in London.
“I was determined to help it – I didn’t want to let it die. After all, it ended up trapped through no fault of its own, so why should it have had to suffer?” she told News Shopper at the time.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said:“We are supporting the family of a British woman who died in Ukraine, and are in touch with the local authorities.”
