Sasha Pascal and Valery Fedorovich Zaluzhny.Photo: from the gymnast’s Instagram.
Nine-year-old Ukrainian gymnast Sasha Pascal, who has become a symbol of resilience after losing her leg to Russian shelling, visited the Embassy of Ukraine in the UK. During this visit, she had an important meeting with Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who is now the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom, 24tv.ua reported.
An invitation from Shakhtar and an unforgettable meeting
Sasha Pascal, who was invited by FC Donetsk to the Champions League match against Arsenal, took the opportunity to meet Valeriy Zaluzhny. On her Instagram, the young athlete shared photos of herself with the general, wearing a branded cap “Under the protection of Zaluzhnyi” and holding a Ukrainian flag.
“An incredible meeting with the Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK, General Zaluzhnyi,” Sasha wrote in the description of the post.
Loss and recovery
In May 2022, when Sasha was just six years old, she lost her leg during an enemy attack in the Odesa region. After the horrific incident, the girl spent almost 15 days in a coma, sustaining serious injuries. Despite the challenges she faced, Sasha demonstrates incredible willpower. After returning to normal, she started gymnastics again and is achieving impressive results.
Sasha Pascal is a shining example of resilience and strength of spirit, and her meeting with Valeriy Zaluzhny has become a symbol of support and hope for the whole of Ukraine.
