Nazar Daletskyi: A Mother’s Journey Through Loss and Hope

Nazar Daletskyi was declared deceased in May 2023, a revelation confirmed by DNA evidence that left his mother, Nataliia, with no doubt. A volunteer soldier who answered the call early in the conflict, Nazar became one of the many casualties in the ongoing war initiated by Russia. His remains were laid to rest in his home village, where Nataliia has visited his grave weekly, initially overwhelmed by grief and later reflecting in silence on the life of her only son. In a remarkable twist, almost three years after the funeral, Nazar was returned from a Russian prison as part of a prisoner swap. Upon his return to Ukrainian soil, he was handed a mobile phone.

The Heartfelt Reunion

Natalia experienced the early spark of hope she thought had been extinguished when she heard her son’s voice for the first time since captivity, a moment captured in a poignant mobile video. “My God, how long I’ve waited for you, my precious child,” she cried out in a blend of shock and joy. “Do you have arms, legs; is everything in place?” The touching video spread widely across Ukraine, providing a rare glimpse of joy amidst the heavy emotional backdrop, though it followed a painful ordeal for both mother and son.

Life After Loss

Almost a month later, Nataliia welcomed visitors into her tidy cottage in Velykyi Doroshiv, not far from Lviv. Brightly colored religious art adorned the walls, and a portrait of Nazar hung prominently in the living room, commemorating the son she lost—at least, that was her belief until she received a shocking new reality.

Nazar’s Early Life

Born in 1979, Nazar was a loving and affectionate child. However, the hardships of the 1990s led him to leave school before completing his studies. After marrying and having a daughter, he later returned to live with his parents following the end of that relationship. When conflict erupted in Donbas in 2014, Nazar stepped up to serve, completing four tours of duty over the following years while juggling various odd jobs in construction and renovations.

A Call to Arms

In February 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion, he volunteered to join the local military unit. Initially turned away twice due to medical issues, he was finally accepted on his third try. On Easter weekend, he departed Velykyi Doroshiv for the front lines.

The Agony of Uncertainty

Communication between mother and son was fleeting but meaningful, often reduced to Nazar’s brief reassurance that he was alive. Yet the tension escalated after two weeks when she sensed imminent danger during their conversations. Then, on a Sunday, a call came that would irrevocably change her life. Instead of Nazar’s familiar voice, she heard, “Your son has been taken prisoner.” The voice belonged to the very individual who had captured him, and just like that, the line went dead.

A Mother’s Fight

Nataliia embarked on a desperate search for answers, navigating the complexities of government offices and NGOs to locate her son. Unfortunately, answers remained elusive until May 2023 when she was informed that Nazar had died the previous September on his 44th birthday. In a heartbreaking sequence, it was disclosed that he had been involved in a deadly convoy ambushed in the Donetsk region while disguised in civilian clothing.

Acceptance and Grief

Initially skeptical of the news, Nataliia eventually agreed to accept the grim reality, driven by the need to have her son’s remains buried near her. The remains were returned in two bags, enveloped in a military uniform. She lovingly added some personal effects of Nazar’s to the coffin, thinking of him as a prisoner still hungry for comfort.

The Funeral

The day of the funeral was a blur for Nataliia, marked by a somber atmosphere filled with villagers honoring Nazar’s memory. He was laid to rest beside his father, who had died just three years earlier. Following his burial, she kept only a grey sweater as a memento, giving away other belongings in an effort to cope. A year later, she was posthumously awarded a military honor for her son’s bravery.

A Flicker of Hope

As time passed, Nataliia focused on healing, often visiting Nazar’s grave and praying for his soul. Yet, a troubling thought loomed over her—she had never dreamt about Nazar during his absence. Then, in September, a glimmer of hope showered her in new possibilities when she heard from relatives that two POWs had reported seeing him alive.

A Remarkable Twist

Desperate to verify this news, Nataliia sought out a police DNA test. Despite confusion around the new evidence, it was confirmed that her son was indeed alive. Early in February, she received word from the coordination center on prisoners of war confirming his anticipated inclusion in an exchange. It wasn’t until she heard his voice over the phone that her faith was rekindled.

Nazar’s Recovery

Upon his release, Nazar was initially perplexed about how his family had come to terms with his supposed death. Misunderstanding communication from volunteers, he thought they were conveying the news of his mother’s passing. He’s currently in a rehabilitation center, with daily video calls keeping the familial bond strong as he recovers from his ordeal, which included severe beatings and trauma.

Looking Ahead

Nataliia is eagerly preparing for Nazar’s coming home, dreaming of the meals she’ll joyfully cook for him, including his favorite milky soup and stuffed cabbage leaves. She reminisces about the warmth of his embrace from a time when he was still young and filled with life. As she anticipates their reunion, a haunting mystery remains unresolved: the identity of the remains that were misidentified as her son’s. Somewhere, another family still holds onto hope.

Conclusion

Nazar Daletskyi’s story encapsulates the profound struggle of a mother seeking closure and the unexpected returns of her son against the odds. In a war that has snatched away countless lives, this tale of heartbreak and hope serves as a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of love.

Key Takeaways

• Nazar Daletskyi was mistakenly declared dead in 2023 after going missing in action.
• His mother, Nataliia, endured a long and painful journey searching for answers.
• In a twist of fate, Nazar was found alive almost three years later.
• The emotional reunion highlighted the profound bond between a mother and son amid the chaos of war.