Ukrainian Girl In A Bunker Singing 'Let It Go' Melts The Internet's Heart As A Wholesome Viral Video

A video of a young Ukrainian girl singing "Let It Go" in a bomb shelter went viral today, earning millions of views through numerous reposts and widespread media coverage while reminding people around the world both of war’s human cost and the resilience of Ukrainian civilians in the face of the Russian invasion.

Little girl singing "Let it go" in a shelter#UkraineRussianWar #Ukraine #UkraineUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/6gfcUoiwJJ

— Ankita Jain (@Ankita20200) March 6, 2022

Idina Menzel, the star of the Disney movie Frozen that “Let It Go” is originally from, tweeted support for the girl (whose name, said in the video, is Amelia), as did other celebrities and members of the Frozen cast.

We see you. We really, really see you. 💙💛 https://t.co/Vhln1MjXpX

— Idina Menzel (@idinamenzel) March 7, 2022

A member of the Ukrainian parliament also tweeted about the incident, praising the courage of children facing the war.

#WarDay #12 The courage of the children in the shelters is mind blowing. Let it go lyrics inspire the whole shelter. I’m in tears😭at the unfairness. pic.twitter.com/pmSm6sqFGG

— Lesia Vasylenko (@lesiavasylenko) March 7, 2022

The Russian military is purportedly switching tactics, increasingly targeting civilians by bombing apartments and other non-military buildings, of which many videos have been shared across multiple platforms lately. Many Ukrainian cities are currently under siege by Russian forces, including Mariupol, where multiple attempts to open a humanitarian corridor that would allow civilians to leave have failed.

⚡️Germany investigates Russian war crimes in Ukraine.German Prosecutor General Peter Frank has opened an investigation into Russia's use of cluster munitions, shelling of residential buildings, gas pipelines, and nuclear waste disposal sites, the Spiegel reported.

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) March 8, 2022

Russia holds 300k civilians hostage in Mariupol, prevents humanitarian evacuation despite agreements with ICRC mediation. One child died of dehydration (!) yesterday! War crimes are part of Russia’s deliberate strategy. I urge all states to publicly demand: RUSSIA, LET PEOPLE GO!

— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) March 8, 2022

All around the country of Ukraine, children are increasingly seeking shelter in bunkers like this one. Civilians under fire are also producing content, much of which has received a sympathetic reception from the rest of the world, and played a vital role in shaping global public opinion surrounding the conflict.

Opens Twitter, sees little girl in bunker in Ukraine singing Let it Go, has a good cry first thing in the morning… Ok, let’s get this day going, life could be way worse

— Harbinger of Mundane (@a_feltz2) March 7, 2022

While prone to misinformation, viral videos and memes offer another way to learn about war, in a different tone and in a different format than the headlines of newspapers and the speeches of politicians.

In this particular viral clip, the smartphone camera, presumably held by the girl’s parents or guardian, pans across the bunker to show the items people have brought down with them, including a flag in the corner, books, toys, extra clothes and paper coffee cups. The bunker goes silent to hear the girl, who is at first nervous, give her performance. Other small children respond excitedly at hearing the words of a favorite song in a tough place — subsequently offering a harrowing insight into the war and how people are living through it.