In a remarkable turn of events, a Ukrainian soldier presumed dead has reunited with his family through an emotional phone call, following his release from Russian captivity. Nazar Daletskyi, whose family had buried him in 2023, stunned his mother with a call that transformed despair into joy, illustrating the profound impact of human resilience amid ongoing conflict.
The Shocking Reunion
Nataliya Daletska, Nazar’s mother, had come to terms with the loss of her son after receiving a call from a Russian speaker, who informed her that Nazar had been captured. Following a year of uncertainty and grief, she was later told that a body identified through DNA testing matched her son. The family held a funeral, believing their beloved Nazar was lost forever.
However, in a twist that is almost unbelievable, a soldier released from Russian custody recently informed the family that Nazar was alive and had been seen in prison. This shocking revelation left them grappling with conflicting emotions, as they struggled to reconcile their grief with the faint glimmer of hope.
The Emotional Call
The moment of truth arrived this week when Nataliya received a call from her son. Despite his weakened state, Nazar’s voice brought an overwhelming wave of relief and joy. “You have your arms, your legs, everything?” she asked, the concern evident in her voice. “My golden child, I have been waiting for you so long.” In the background, the ecstatic sounds of his cousin, Roksolana, echoed the family’s elation.
Nataliya expressed her astonishment: “It was so strange, because my son had died, I buried him, but here’s his voice. Can you imagine the emotions of a mother? Happiness. Great happiness. I could not hold back my tears.”
The Journey of Loss and Hope
Nazar, now 45, was no stranger to the battlefield. He had previously fought in the 2014 conflict but returned to the front lines following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Missing in action since May 2022, his family endured a long and painful wait for news, punctuated by uncertainty and fear as they navigated the bureaucratic labyrinth of military communications.
The mix-up that led to the misidentification of his remains has raised serious questions, prompting an investigation into how such a distressing error could occur. As the Daletskyi family prepares for a long-awaited reunion, they are also focused on erasing traces of mourning from social media, trying to protect Nazar from the painful memories associated with his presumed death.
A Beacon of Hope
With approximately 70,000 individuals still listed as missing in Ukraine, many believed to be soldiers, Nazar’s story stands as a beacon of hope for countless families enduring similar heartache. “I wish all women, mothers, children get a call like we had – and this happiness,” Nataliya shared, her voice filled with affection for her son. She eagerly anticipates the moment she can embrace him once again, expressing a desire for more positive outcomes for other families in distress.
Why it Matters
Nazar’s unexpected return not only brings joy to his family but also serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring hope that persists even in the darkest times. His story highlights the need for continued efforts to secure the release of those still held captive, while also shining a light on the emotional trauma faced by families separated by conflict. In an ongoing war that has claimed thousands of lives, tales like Nazar’s offer a glimpse into the resilience of the human spirit and the profound connections that endure, even against all odds.
