Tetiana Martynova, refugee mom who fled war in Ukraine with teen son, dies after being struck by car in Wales

A Ukrainian mother who fled the war two years ago with her teen son was tragically killed in a car accident in Wales, it was revealed on Tuesday.

Tetiana Martynova, 40, died after being struck by a Chevrolet Captiva as she walked on the road in Morriston around 6:20 p.m. local time on Wednesday, the BBC reported, citing South Wales Police.

Martynova was originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine, and came to Wales with her 14-year-old son in July 2022, a few months after Russia’s invasion started, according to the nonprofit organization Voice of Ukraine Wales.

“Tanya has been a staunch and enthusiastic supporter of Voice of Ukraine Wales and will be badly missed by all who knew her,” the organization said.

Matynova’s hosts told the BBC she was known in the area as  “an impressive woman, multi-lingual, intelligent, high-flying, hard-working” and a “stalwart” of the Ukrainian community.

“Her numerous friends and work colleagues are all devastated by her sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with [her son] Illia here in Wales and Tania’s family back in Ukraine,” they told the outlet.

“Tania became like a daughter to us both. Our tears flow for a remarkable young woman. Ukraine has lost one of its finest.”

South Wales Police implored any possible witnesses to come forward with information or dashcam footage.