11-year-old Ukrainian boy makes 600-mile solo journey with just a backpack and a phone number written on his hand

The boy who has won all-round admiration from the police and border officials, said he had to come alone as his family had decided to stay back in Ukraine because of unavoidable circumstances.

With only a backpack and a phone number written across the palm of his hand, an 11-year-old Ukranian boy has crossed the border into neighbouring Slovakia and has become a hero or sorts.

Recently, the Slovakia Police shared the sentimental story of this 11-year-old intrepid traveller who made a 600-mile journey all by himself, totally unfazed and unafraid. 

The boy who has won the admiration of the police and border officials said he had to come alone as his  family had decided to stay back in Ukraine because of funavoidable circumstances.

Many of the other people crossing the border, took care of the boy and shared their food and drink with him all along the long trip. 

His mother Yulia Pisetskaya, had put her son on a train to Slovakia since she could not leave because she has to look after her own disabled mother.

 In a video message posted on Facebook on Sunday she said: “I am very grateful that they saved the life of my child. “In your small country, there are people with big hearts,” she added.

Authorities were able to track down his relatives living in the capital city and he was safely handed over to them.

But the boy seemed none worse from his traumatic experience, and kept his composure, always flashing a beautiful smile to all and sundry. 

In the past few days many heart-wrenching videos have been circulating on the internet amid the Russian incursion in Ukraine together with the heavy shelling and bombing. 

But this one about the 11-year-old boy seems to have captured the imagination and hearts of everyone across the border.

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