**Tragic Loss: A Ukrainian Family's Heartbreak Amid Drone Strikes**

This article outlines the painful experience of Mykola Zarutskyi, who lost his mother, Liudmyla Zarutska, due to the increasing threat of Russian drones in the war against Ukraine amidst hopes for peace negotiations.

On a fateful night in late March, the life of 80-year-old Liudmyla Zarutska took a tragic turn when a Russian Shahed drone struck her apartment in Kyiv, sealing her fate. As she prepared to retire after years working as a cleaning staff member, Liudmyla indulged in the comforting smell of coffee in her home while anxiously following the news of the war. Amid ongoing discussions of potential cease-fires, reality struck hard as air-raid alarms became a nightly ritual, gradually overshadowing the city's beauty.

In her last conversation with her son, Mykola Zarutskyi, she refused his offer to visit, insisting he be rested for his new job starting the following week. This choice, a seemingly innocuous act of love, ultimately preserved his life, as the drone strike would claim hers just hours later.

Liudmyla's life was marked by joy and resilience, having survived the aftermath of World War II and raised Mykola in a nurturing environment. Their close bond, depicted through her loving cooking and handiwork, showcased the essence of family and tradition. Mykola remembers joyful moments surrounded by her comforts, from hearty meals to handmade gifts, underscoring the intimate ties that connected them.

As the war continues to wage, the painful reality faced by families like the Zarutskyis serves as a haunting reminder of the collateral damage inflicted by modern warfare. In Ukraine, the specter of drone strikes haunts the nights, while families cling to each other and hope for a lull in the violence that has shattered so many lives.