Copyright New York Daily News
Ukraine’s entry into the Miss Earth 2025 pageant took a fall on stage after being introduced as a champion for her resilient nation’s defense forces. Mariia Zheliaskova handled the potentially embarrassing stumble gracefully and finished as a runner-up to Natálie Puškinová of the Czech Republic at Thursday’s competition in the Philippines. “She’s not just turning heads on the runway, she’s also raising funds for the military, showing her fierce dedication to her country and its people,” a pageant announcer said as 24-year-old Zheliaskova crossed the stage in a flowing silver gown. After easily descending a short staircase, Zheliaskova then fell while strutting across the stage. Audience members gasped as the gleeful contestant hit the ground, then applauded when she quickly recovered and continued to smile. The Miss Earth Pageant, launched in 2001, describes itself as “an International Environmental Event channeling the beauty pageant entertainment industry as an effective tool to promote environmental awareness.” More than 80 delegates from all over the world compete to represent the organization, which works in furtherance of global issues.
