Proposal live on TSN: a captured doctor from Mariupol will get married after 3 years of separation.

According to ТСН: During the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, 6266 Ukrainian prisoners returned from enemy prisons, including 403 civilians. The largest exchanges took place this year, but currently, the process has paused again. The return of civilians is especially challenging as the Russian side does not confirm their names.

The story of Serhiy Doroshenko

TSN reported on pediatrician Serhiy Doroshenko, whom the Russians referred to as a 'useful prisoner' as he provided medical assistance to inmates in the colonies. Serhiy returned home this year, and he is the father of four children. His eldest daughter is already grown, while the three younger children made wishes every holiday for their dad to return.

This story is about love that endured a separation of 1030 days, shelling, filtration camps, captivity, and years of uncertainty. Their fate has been unknown since the battle for Mariupol.

Survival in wartime

Serhiy went to the military registration office on February 25, 2022, and never returned. Tetiana was left with three small children in a basement in Mariupol under bombardment. The youngest daughter, Mykhalynka, turned one, Lesha was two, and Sasha was six. They survived on supplies of buckwheat, which their mother soaked in rainwater.

After Mariupol was captured, Tetiana and the children went through filtration camps, traveled to Poland, Italy, and eventually returned to Ukraine in search of Serhiy. She learned that her beloved had been taken into Russian captivity at the Illich factory, where he helped the injured.

Correspondence and hope

Tetiana wrote to Serhiy daily on the messenger, creating a kind of diary about how the children were growing. She shared their achievements and how she and the kids attended rallies, always mentioning him.

Serhiy read all these messages only after the exchange, which he had waited for three years. In captivity in Mordovia, Ukrainians summed up their day with the words: 'Guys, may you dream of your loved ones.'

After returning, Serhiy hugged his kids, and Tetiana, holding him, heard the words: 'Mine, 100% mine.'

Proposal in live broadcast

Serhiy and Tetiana, along with their three children - Mykhalynka, Oleksiy, and Sasha - became the heroes of this touching story by participating in a Christmas broadcast on TSN.

'I was sure of my family, I was sure of my wife because she is me, my other half, part of me, so I couldn’t think otherwise. I had not a shred of doubt all these three years in captivity; I was sure that I had you. I have a place to return to, I have someone to wait for,' Serhiy said about his beloved.

Tetiana noted that each exchange was a trial for her, and time stopped for her. She urged everyone waiting for their loved ones not to lose hope.

'We must not lose hope, not give up, fight for our loved ones. And it's very hard, especially during the holidays. But I believe, I know, I am sure that all our boys and girls will return home,' she stated.

Serhiy proposed to Tetiana live on TSN, and she, responding enigmatically, agreed.

'It just turned out that at first, probably like any man, I was a bit afraid of this. Then war came to our city, our Mariupol. And until 2022, I somehow postponed it – not the time and not the time. But today, if there is a chance with your filming crew's help, will you marry me?' Serhiy unexpectedly proposed.

'I'll think about it,' Tetiana responded enigmatically but eventually added that she agreed.

The story of Serhiy and Tetiana is a symbol of hope, strength, and resilience that can succeed even in the most difficult times. In a world where war takes away, love and support from loved ones become even more valuable. This case demonstrates how strong bonds can help survive in the toughest circumstances and serves as a testament to the hope of many who still wait for the return of their loved ones.