Savita Diana Wagner was born in Bonn in 1987. She studied mathematics, she married, she was in the middle of life. A life like many lead. Nothing about it hinted at what was to come. Until Russia’s attack on Ukraine in 2022 changed everything, not only for Ukraine, but for her too.
She didn’t want to stand by
When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Savita did not stay in Germany. She drove relief supplies across the border, brought people to safety, helped wherever hands were needed. What she saw in the liberated towns around Kyiv, in Bucha, never let her go. From then on it was clear to her: relief supplies are not enough. Her help had to go deeper, closer to the front.
On the front line, to save lives
Savita had begun studying medicine in Germany. In Ukraine she went through basic military training, trained in field medicine and served as a combat medic. Her task was not to fight but to rescue: treating the wounded, under fire, in the mud of the trenches, often the only one standing between a human being and death. She was decorated several times for her courage. How many lives she saved, no one can say exactly.
31 January 2024
On that day Savita died while recovering two wounded comrades. A fragment of a Russian mortar shell struck her carotid artery. She was 36 years old. In Kyiv, Ukraine bid farewell with military honours in St Michael’s Cathedral to the woman from Bonn who had stayed to help. She was laid to rest in the Alley of Glory at Lukianivske Cemetery in Kyiv.
What remains
Savita saved lives because she stayed when leaving would have been easier. Her conviction does not end with her death. Her mother Ursula carries it on, in a foundation that helps where Savita would have helped.
Become part of the help.
Savita’s help goes on, with your support. If you have questions or would like to get involved, please get in touch.
Savita Diana Wagner Stiftung
Stadtsparkasse Mönchengladbach
IBAN: DE66 3105 0000 1004 7980 60
BIC: MGLSDE33XXX
If you need a donation receipt, we will be happy to issue one. Simply use our contact form with the subject “Donation receipt” or write to kontakt@savitadianawagnerstiftung.de (donation receipts for donations of 300 euros or more)