A prisoner recorded a song created in a Russian dungeon: a story of love and victory.

According to ТСН: For Vladislav Karetniy, the year 2025 became the year when his dreams came true. After three years in Russian captivity, which he fell into while defending Mariupol, he not only returned home on Easter but also found love and recorded a song that he created and memorized in the enemy's dungeons.

'I Can't Control My Dreams': Rehabilitation and Memories

Vladislav has been home for eight months. During this time, he underwent physical rehabilitation and somewhat restored his emotional state, but the memories of the past still linger.

'I am trying to forget everything, but unfortunately, I can't control my dreams. A few times a week, memories from Mariupol or captivity come back'

But now a Christmas tree is already standing in his apartment – for the first time in four years, Vladislav will celebrate the New Year in free Ukraine, with his family.

Music as Armor: 16 Songs Without a Single Sheet of Paper

Vladislav's story of creativity in captivity is impressive. Lacking the opportunity to write on paper, he created music in his head. Thus, 16 compositions emerged. He memorized the words of each and sang the melody to his comrades to avoid going insane from the horrors around him.

'When it was hard, I sang in my head – it was an incentive not to give up'

Vladislav dedicated his first song to the dearest person – his mother, who supported prisoners from the Mariupol garrison. Immediately after his return, he recorded this song in the studio as a gift to his mother for her birthday.

A New Miracle: A Wedding on Top of a Mountain

During his first interview, Vladislav smiled as he recalled his mother and music, and now his eyes light up when he talks about Irina. He met his beloved after his captivity, and she became his support in difficult moments of rehabilitation.

Vladislav proposed just as confidently as he defended his country. The couple went to the Carpathians, and on top of a mountain, while riding ATVs, he asked Irina to be his wife.

'I love her very much, she is my star. Probably, the stars aligned so that we met'

Plans for the Future

Today, Vladislav is filled with optimism. Friends have already created a music studio and are waiting for him to turn his other 'captivity' songs into full-fledged recordings.

Vladislav's recovery after the trials of captivity is extremely important for his personal growth and development. The music, which became his way to endure the horrors, connects him with his beloved and family, and the plans for the future only reinforce his desire to live fully. At the same time, his story serves as an inspiring example of resilience for others.