Author:
The Foundation's team
In May 2025, Viktoriia from Mykolaiv was finally reunited with her husband, a serviceman of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade, who had spent more than three years in Russian captivity. Throughout that time, she remained in the city under constant shelling with their two daughters—exhausted but determined to fight for his return.
The CAMP+ psychological rehabilitation program by the Voices of Children Foundation, which Viktoriia joined in 2023, helped her feel safe again, share her experience with other women, and regain her sense of self during the most difficult period of waiting. A video capturing the emotional moment she learned about the exchange of her husband quickly spread across social media and news outlets.
The CAMP+ psychological rehabilitation program by the Voices of Children Foundation, which Viktoriia joined in 2023, helped her feel safe again, share her experience with other women, and regain her sense of self during the most difficult period of waiting. A video capturing the emotional moment she learned about the exchange of her husband quickly spread across social media and news outlets.
From Exhaustion to Recovery
Viktoriia spent three years in a constant state of struggle. Russian forces captured her husband during the battle for Mariupol—his second time in captivity since the start of the war. She took part in every rally, protest, and trip aimed at drawing attention to the issue of prisoners of war.
At the same time, she was raising two daughters—Uliana and Dana—in a city under fire. The physical and emotional strain led to weight loss, declining health, and a growing emotional distance between her and her children.
There was a time when I couldn’t eat, drink, or sleep. I kept thinking—here I am eating while he’s not; I’m sleeping while he’s not,
In 2023, she took part in CAMP+, a psychological rehabilitation program designed by the Voices of Children Foundation for families with the most difficult experiences of war. Mothers and children stayed at a hotel in Truskavets for three weeks, where they participated in group and individual sessions with psychologists, practiced self-regulation techniques, and attended lectures and creative workshops.
A Sense of Safety She Had Never Felt Before
For the first time in a long while, Viktoriia felt safe in a camp. She was able to share her story with other women and began to believe in herself again. The program helped not only her—but also her daughters.
Younger Uliana, who used to clench her fists and turn away whenever she saw a man with a child on his shoulders, learned to speak about her pain. After the camp, she began drawing pictures not just for her mother—but for her father, too. Viktoriia’s bond with her older daughter Dana, which had become strained, began to heal. They could hug again, sit down, and cry together.
Photos from Truskavets, taken during the camp, now rest in the tiny room in Mykolaiv where they hide from shelling. The family looks at them when things get scary.
Photos from Truskavets, taken during the camp, now rest in the tiny room in Mykolaiv where they hide from shelling. The family looks at them when things get scary.
I remember the camp with deep gratitude, love, and trust. All the specialists we worked with were extraordinary people, full of compassion and with huge hearts! When I arrived with the girls, I was completely broken, lost, and in an incredibly severe psychological state, heavily medicated. What happened next—without exaggeration—was an unbelievable feeling of safety, support, and love! I had never experienced such emotional protection. And thanks to the camp, I found amazing people I still keep in touch with—women who gave me strength! The time at camp brought me closer to my children, helped me understand myself, and gave me the strength to keep going,
Photo: Reporters
Family Is Together Again
In May 2025, Viktoriia’s long wait ended. She was holding the flag of her husband’s unit during an event marking the Ukrainian Marine Corps Day when someone showed her a photo of released prisoners. Among them was Dmytro. Her first reaction was disbelief—then a panic attack.
I had convinced myself that my husband wouldn’t be exchanged anytime soon because every exchange means disappearing from life for a few days. I was standing there with our flag when a girl came up and showed me the photo. It was my husband! I kept screaming it wasn’t him—I had a panic attack, the kind I had spent so long trying to treat. I just couldn’t let myself believe it was real,
Once she received official confirmation of the exchange, her emotional response was overwhelming. A week of quarantine followed. When it ended, Dmytro allowed her to visit. Viktoriia was the first to arrive at the hospital, trying to stay calm so as not to upset him—but it wasn’t easy. At first, she came alone without the girls out of concern for everyone’s emotional state.
It was my quickest and best trip ever! I was the first one on duty outside the hospital. When he walked out, I tried not to shake, not to worry him—but I couldn’t help it. The next time, we came together—our two daughters, our friends. These were the best days of our lives after our second separation: He was alive. He was by my side,
The family is now adjusting to a new reality. Dmytro is undergoing rehabilitation, and Viktoriia and the girls support him in every way
Our separation didn’t change our feelings, but unfortunately, it did change us. More than anything, we now treasure our family and the fact that we are finally together,
A Message to Women Who Are Still Waiting
Never lose hope. Fight until the end. Pray and believe in yourself. Don’t lose who you are during this difficult time—we are so needed by them and by our children. I know better than anyone how hard and painful this is. Hold on. You are incredible!
What she wants most to share with other women is that psychological support truly does help you hold on until a joyful ending.
I urge women who are still ‘waiting’ not to ignore psychological help. Without it, I would not have survived. I couldn’t have carried that burden of pain, confusion, loneliness, and the huge responsibility. It saved me—and I hope my story gives someone else the strength to keep fighting,
Photo: Reporters
We created CAMP+ for families of Ukraine’s defenders—to support mothers and children who are living through the most difficult experiences of war, including families of fallen, missed, or those held in captivity. In 2023, the program was officially recognized at the national level as a methodological recommendation for specialists working with families facing loss, trauma, or forced displacement.
Support the CAMP+ program. Together, we can do more.
Autors: Yuliia Didenko, Maryna Bezrodna
Support the CAMP+ program. Together, we can do more.
Autors: Yuliia Didenko, Maryna Bezrodna
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