Latest news with #Veronika
The Sun
01-07-2025
- The Sun
Gardener slices his own NECK with chainsaw… and cops mistakenly thought his wife did it
A DAD-of-four avoided death by less than an inch when a chainsaw he was using span out of control and sliced his neck. Christopher York lost more than two litres of blood during the freak accident at his home in Chesterfield, Derbyshire - which cops mistakenly believed had been a planned attack by his wife, Veronika. 9 9 9 Christopher, 65, was left with a two-inch gash under his chin after he lost control of his Bosch chainsaw. The £120 power tool jumped out of his hands and cartwheeled 180 degrees, ripping his jaw as he attempted to trim his garden hedges on May 12. The corporate financier collapsed on the ground after suffering " severe blood loss". Luckily, Veronika, 44, and a neighbour discovered Christopher lying in a pool of blood and quickly called 999. He was rushed to Chesterfield Hospital Doctors then discovered the sharp metal teeth on the blade had missed severing his jugular vein by just 1mm. Christopher joked: "A butcher with 20 years of experience wouldn't be able to do what I did with a knife, let alone with a spinning chainsaw." Christopher spent weeks in intensive care in Chesterfield Royal Hospital before being allowed home. Recalling the day of the horrific accident, he said: "I was going for the larger bush trunks but the chainsaw became stuck. "I applied pressure and it flew through. It wouldn't go further for a moment. "I gave it a push and that's when it was flying over my right shoulder. "I felt something cold and wet on the front of my shirt and glanced down to see a stream of rich red blood discharging onto my shirt and then continuing to my trousers and shoes. "The doctors said I lost two litres of blood, apparently it was more than that. Racing bike rider cheats death by staying in saddle after slamming into giant seagull at 150mph "That's why I felt in the ambulance and on the stretcher that I couldn't breathe. "My body was getting the oxygen into my body but I didn't have the capacity to transport it around my body. "I had to make conscious efforts to suck air in and out." By chance, a specialist vascular surgeon was on duty at the hospital that day so he did not need to be transferred further afield. As well as coming within a whisker of slicing through his jugular, Christopher also missed cutting his windpipe by just 3mm. Surgeon Gary Hicken explained it had been an extremely "close call" for Christopher. He said: "If he had fallen a little bit harder or ever so slightly lower, then it would have hit these two major vessels, and he would have bled to death at the scene." In a bizarre mix-up, Veronika was almost arrested by police on suspicion of attacking her husband. Christopher joked: "The funniest part was when Veronika was taking it [the chainsaw] to the tip, she didn't ever want to see the thing again. "She sped to the tip and wanted to ditch the thing. 9 9 9 "She saw an operative and asked which to dump the tool in and he just looked in aghast as it was covered in dried blood. "She made a hacking motion at her neck with her right hand and just said 'my husband'. "He thought it was a confession and got her plates as she drove off. "She was in a hurry as she wanted to see me in ICU. But they [police] wouldn't let her see me. "She was running through the hospital to get to the intensive care ward and that's when they caught her. She was in pre-arrest at that stage. "When they had realised it was a non-story, then they ascertained it was what Shakespeare might call a comedy of errors." Christopher suffered severe lacerations to the side of his neck as well as a splintered jaw. Lisa, a senior sister in the emergency department, added: "It went like clockwork, there was someone looking over him that day. "He was very grateful to everyone in the hospital. "Thanks to the staff that assembled that day, his wife has a husband and his children have a father." 9 9 9
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Meet the Kudermetova Sisters: Tennis' new 'Power duo' after the Williams legacy
Image via Instagram/ Polina Kudermetova In the dynamic world of tennis, the Kudermetova sisters—Veronika and Polina—shine brightly, not by coincidence but through dedication, resilience, and familial bond. Born into a sports‑obsessed household, they've both carved out remarkable paths that speak to their perseverance and drive. Despite the inevitable comparisons between a former top‑10 star and her rising sibling, each has embraced her unique journey. Veronika, already a household name in professional tennis, has paved the way with her powerful serve and impressive doubles triumphs. Polina, the younger sister, is fearlessly creating her own legacy, blending raw talent with mental fortitude. Their story isn't just one of sibling rivalry—it's a testament to shared dreams, unwavering support, and the power of lifting each other. In this article, we'll explore their family roots, highlight Polina's accomplishments, delve into Veronika's personal life, and trace the meteoric rise of these two inspiring athletes. For the Kudermetova sisters , sports runs in the blood Image via Instagram/ Polina Kudermetova The foundation of Veronika and Polina's success lies in their deeply athletic household. Their father, Eduard Kudermetov, was a celebrated ice‑hockey player—twice a Russian national champion—who instilled the values of discipline and grit in his daughters . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invertir con Cervecería Nacional CFD, si tienes 30 o más, puede alegrar tu cuenta bancaria Empieza a invertir hoy Inscríbete ahora Undo While information on their mother remains private, it's clear that both young women benefited from a childhood immersed in sport. Born in Kazan in 1997, Veronika began her tennis journey at age eight and later moved to Moscow to train at the renowned CSKA club. Polina, born June 4, 2003, followed suit, hitting her first tennis ball at seven and embracing the family ethos of athletic excellence. Polina Kudermetova 's rise to spotlight The younger Kudermetova has steadily ascended through the ranks with poise and promise. As of April 14, 2025, she reached a career‑high WTA singles ranking of No. 54, later hovering around the mid‑50s by June . She has earned nearly US $891,000 in prize money through consistent performances, including a quarterfinal at the 2023 Korea Open. Polina's résumé boasts nine ITF singles titles and two doubles titles, evidencing a strong foundation built on the ITF circuit. She made her Grand Slam main‑draw debut at the Australian Open in 2023 and 2025, and her breakthrough came early in 2025, as she stunned top‑10 player Daria Kasatkina en route to a WTA‑500 quarterfinal in Brisbane. Her first top‑10 victory (Kasatkina ranked No. 9) came at that event, highlighting her mental resilience and shot‑making prowess. Known for a two‑handed backhand and a hard‑court preference, Polina plays with maturity beyond her years under coach Ravshan Sultanov. Her tenacity was on full display in Seoul at a WTA‑500 event, where she battled back from down match points to reach the quarters, supported every step of the way by her sister and mother. Veronika Kudermetova 's legacy in the tennis courts The elder sister has long been a force in women's tennis. Born April 24, 1997, Veronika reached a career‑high ranking of No. 9 in singles (October 2022) and No. 2 in doubles (June 2022). She has won two WTA singles titles, including the 2021 Charleston Open, and remains a doubles powerhouse with eight WTA titles, three at the WTA‑1000 level. Veronika's most notable doubles achievement came when she and Elise Mertens lifted the 2022 WTA Finals trophy, besting Krejcikova and Siniakova . As a singles player, she reached the quarterfinals of the 2022 French Open and the 2021 Wimbledon doubles final. Off the court, Veronika is married to her longtime coach, Sergei Demekhine, a former pro player. The pairing began professionally in 2012 and shifted to romance by 2015; they married in 2017. Despite a 13‑year age gap, their relationship remains strong—Veronika admitted in 2020 that familial and cultural values informed their bond, and that she had sheer admiration for him as her coach long before romance blossomed. The Kudermetova sisters' journey to spotlight and victory From early training sessions to shared locker‑room moments on tour, the Kudermetova sisters have supported and inspired one another. Veronika's success served as both pathway and motivator for Polina, who has consistently been present at Veronika's matches—even across continents. Their dual quarterfinal showing at the 2024 Korea Open caught headlines: Veronika defeated Samsonova, while Polina secured her own upset win against Ekaterina Alexandrova. When Veronika lost in a late‑season slump, she credited Polina's deeper advancement as a wake‑up call. The first official WTA main‑tour sisters‑versus match took place at the 2025 Madrid Open, where Veronika prevailed 6‑2, 6‑2—an emotional yet respectful showdown. Despite it being a rivalry by draw, each has handled the challenge with sportsmanship and mutual pride. A shared philosophy—which Veronika often emphasizes—involves focusing on 'point by point' and staying mentally tough, advice Polina creditably applied to her own comeback wins. Their journey, branded by incremental achievements and tangible proof of talent, is one of relentless dedication. The story of Veronika and Polina Kudermetova is more than that of two talented athletes—it's a heartfelt chronicle of sisterhood, legacy, and relentless pursuit of excellence. With roots planted in a sports‑centric family, they have each forged their own path: Veronika with disciplined skill and a decorated career, Polina with courage and a flame of promise. United by shared values and mutual support, the sisters have shown that success is sweetest when celebrated together. As Polina rises and Veronika continues to thrive, their legacy is destined not only in trophies won, but in the inspiration they provide for future generations of athletes. Also read: Is Iga Swiatek's patterned misbehavior a subtle indication to a bigger problem? Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
LeMonde
28-06-2025
- Health
- LeMonde
The young women enlisting in Ukraine's army: 'In the army, you have to show you've got balls!'
Veronika, 19, stood tall in her camouflage uniform, an assault rifle slung over her shoulder. She had only joined the army two months earlier, but her movements were already marked by a military stiffness. She spoke quickly, her voice flat. "It's the fatigue. I've only slept five hours in the last three days," explained the trainee, currently at a military training ground near Kyiv. Veronika signed an "18-24 contract" with the military, a recruitment scheme that the Ukrainian government has actively promoted since February to attract young people in this age group. The draft applies only to men aged 25 to 60. Women, except those in medical roles, are not subject to conscription and can only join the military on a voluntary basis – a path not without hurdles. "I tried six times to sign a contract with the army and failed six times," said Lialia (her nom de guerre), 19, originally from Odesa. There were no soldiers in her family who could put in a good word for her: "I was only able to join the army with this new 18-24 contract. But even then, it took me two days to find a unit that would take me – the 72 nd Brigade – as a 'combat medic.'" It's a hybrid role combining that of an infantry soldier and a combat nurse (which does not exist in the French military). Veronika, who wore a conspicuous pink Hello Kitty patch on her shoulder as if to assert her individuality, felt well-integrated in the group.
BBC News
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Ukrainian mum's children's book inspired by move to Isle of Man
A Ukrainian woman who fled her home country following the Russian invasion has released a children's book inspired by her daughter adjusting to life in a new Treasure Adventures on the Isle of Man was written and illustrated by Yuliia Brykailo, who arrived on the island with her children in October Brykailo said he daughter had found the move "difficult" but was welcomed by the staff and students at Arbory Primary School who had "supported her constantly" ever tale takes the girl, who is feeling sad and missing home, on a journey that visits Manx landmarks, before she discovers the "true treasure of the Isle of Man is friendship". Ms Brykailo said it had been "so hard emotionally, physically and morally" to make the decision to leave Kiev at the beginning of the conflict."Seeing so much change around us was a horrifying feeling and it changed our lives into before and after," she said."There was so much we had to leave behind, our families and our things."Arriving on island using the Isle of Man Homes for Ukraine scheme, she said her host family and other residents had made her "experience here truly magical"."People have been so welcoming and nice to us," she said. In the tale Veronika uses a map given to her by her mother to explore the island's "treasures", such as the steam train, Castle Rushen and Cafe Lingo, which supports residents whose first language is not Brykailo said: "Initially the story was meant to be written just for Veronika, to make sure she remembers the people who were around her and everyone who's treated us so well."They included teachers and pupils at Arbory Primary School who "learned a few words in Ukrainian" to make the then five-year-old Veronika "feel so welcome", she was that new Manx support network, which also included their host family, that convinced her to share the story with other readers. The illustrator said while it was inspired by the family moving to the island and leaving behind the conflict, it was also about "people moving and the big changes it brings into their lives"."But it does get better in the end in this book, and with time you do get that feeling of home," she 13-page books, which were printed in Ukraine, have been stocked in two Manx bookshops. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
Web Release
10-06-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Veronika Zakharchuk Appointed Head Sommelier at Culinary Arts Group
Culinary Arts Group has announced the appointment of Veronika Zakharchuk as Head Sommelier, further strengthening the group's focus on exceptional guest experiences across its flagship concepts — Maison Dali, Bar Dali and Revolver Dubai. With an impressive international résumé, Veronika steps into a key leadership role to define and elevate the group's wine identity through thoughtful curation and an impeccable wine selection. Since joining the group in late 2024, Veronika has been instrumental in bringing a renewed perspective on wine — from sourcing rare bottles to launching curated tastings. Her remit includes wine list development, distributor partnerships, team training, pricing strategy and creating beverage programmes that are as emotionally resonant as they are technically sophisticated. Prior to her current role, Veronika recently served as Assistant Head Sommelier at the one-Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal. There, she was integral to the venue's pre-opening and post-launch success, overseeing a 6,000-bottle cellar and a 1,500-label list, while mentoring her team in delivering exceptional, story-led service. Before relocating to the UAE, she held senior roles in Russia, including the pre-opening of Gvidon and Gorynich by the White Rabbit Family – ranked No. 13 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants in 2019. There she managed one of the country's largest Champagne selections, designed bespoke wine lists, led tastings and trained junior sommeliers. Her foundation spans respected institutions including Four Seasons Moscow, Ararat Park Hyatt and Simple Wine, Russia's leading wine supplier. A dedicated student of her craft, in the past year, Veronika recently completed the WSET Level 3 course and passed the Certified Sommelier Examination under the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS). In her new role, Veronika brings a distinct approach to each concept within the group. At Maison Dali, she champions Old World classics, grower Champagnes and rare bottles showcased in Dali's cellar section. By collaborating with suppliers and brand ambassadors, she offers a curated selection of 50 wines by the glass — allowing guests to enjoy exceptional labels at accessible prices. At Revolver, her programme is more intuitive, highlighting unique pairings and exclusive imports unavailable elsewhere in Dubai. Here, she presents a focused selection of 25 wines by the glass, with a mission to make wine an integral part of the storytelling at the table. Reflecting on her appointment, Veronika shared: 'I'm truly excited to lead the wine programmes at Maison Dali, Bar Dali and Revolver — three exceptional venues, each with its own energy and identity. To me, wine isn't about rules; it is about creating moments of connection, discovery and joy. I believe in thoughtful pours, easy conversation and shaping guest experiences that are effortless and memorable. It is a privilege to work with a team that shares this passion for hospitality — no rules, just great wine and a good time.'
