Painful testimonies: when the war in Ukraine hits military families
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have lost their lives. This war not only disrupted the lives of many families, but also left lasting scars on Ukrainian society.
Anastasia, a 40-year-old woman, learned of the death of her husband, Oleksii Dzhunkivskyi, while watching the news on television. Oleksii was a renowned boxing champion in Ukraine who became a children’s trainer and owner of his own gym in Irpin, a town northwest of kyiv. When the Russian invasion began, Anastasia and their teenage daughter decided to leave the area, while Oleksii stayed behind as a volunteer to help civilians. Unfortunately, he was shot by Russian soldiers while working out in his boxing gym.
Military losses in Ukraine are estimated at thousands of soldiers, but exact figures are not disclosed by authorities. These massive losses have devastating consequences for the families of the fallen soldiers. Many must cope with the loss of a loved one and rebuild their lives in a country at war.
Juliya, a 40-year-old woman whose husband was a lawyer and entrepreneur in kyiv, was also affected by this war. Her husband immediately decided to join the Ukrainian forces to defend his country, while Juliya and their teenage daughter found refuge abroad. Unfortunately, her husband was seriously injured in an air attack and died a few days later in hospital. Juliya had to return to Ukraine for his funeral and deal with her loss. The pain of grief intensified when she returned to live in her home country, realizing that her husband would never be by her side again.
These harrowing stories are just one of many examples in Ukraine. The war not only caused loss of life, but also left families devastated and lives shattered. The widows and children of fallen soldiers often find themselves in difficult situations, relying on military pensions or financial aid to survive. Unfortunately, unlike some countries, Ukrainian widows do not receive a monthly state pension, but only a one-time allowance in the event of their husband’s death while serving in the army.
Faced with this tragic reality, numerous organizations and initiatives have emerged in Ukraine to support the families of deceased servicemen. Efforts are also being made to document and commemorate the victims of this war, so that the sacrifice of Ukrainian soldiers is never forgotten.
The war in Ukraine continues to wreak havoc, leaving behind bereaved families and deep scars in the country’s social fabric. It is essential to remember that behind the numbers and statistics, there are broken lives and tragic stories. Solidarity and support for the families of deceased soldiers are essential to help them overcome their grief and rebuild their lives in this difficult context.