Civil worker Viktoria Apanasenko to represent Ukraine at the 2022 Miss Universe pageant

Ever since Russian forces launched ir ‘Special Military Operation in Ukraine earlier in February, Ukrainians are using all possible global platforms to galvanise support for ir country. Earlier this year, Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra won Eurovision Song Contest after y performed  song 'Stefania' which has w become a patriotic anm. w, war-ravd country has sent a civil worker as ir representative at  Miss Universe competition. Victoria Apanasenko  will represent Ukraine in Miss Universe 2022 amid ongoing war which has entered day 115.

"Due to full-scale war in Ukraine, Miss Ukraine Universe Organizing Committee abandoned tritional festive show this year. After consulting partners from Miss Universe, it was decided to hand over title of "Miss Ukraine Universe" to Victoria Apanasenko, "I Vice-Miss Ukraine Universe" 2021. Victoria will represent Ukraine in Miss Universe-2022," according to an official statement by organisation released on Facebook.

Who is Victoria Apanasenko?

Miss Universe Ukraine describes Victoria Apanasenko as a professional model and volunteer, who helps provide food and critical medicine to children, elderly people and internally displaced families. 27-year-old holds a degree in social work from Faculty of Psychology, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and “has a desire to help solve social problems and support vulnerable populations.” She was 1st runner-up in Miss Ukraine 2021. 

Victoria earlier said that she “chose this profession because I always h a desire to contribute to solving social problems in our society and to be able to help vulnerable communities". 

In ir social media declaration, Miss Universe Ukraine also said that y have alrey started working with designers to create outfits for national costume contest which “will become a symbol of strength of Ukrainian people". It furr ded that y are planning a number of important social and volunteer projects toger with ambassors of or countries and international organisations. “We hope that with support of Ukrainians, Victoria will be able to represent Ukraine in largest world beauty contest Miss Universe".

115 days since war started

Russia-Ukraine war has w entered its 115th day with Putin's troops accelerating attacks in country's Souast. Apart from capturing large swas of land in Donbas region, y have also been conducting regular, calculated and targetted attacks elsewhere in country in attempts to sabot western supplies. Meanwhile, Sourn Front, a pro-Putin media outlet, has been spreing misinformation that Russians have successfully established peace in areas y have captured. 

(Im: Miss Universe Ukraine/Facebook)