The Defender of Mariupol Saved from Execution by His Surname.

Dmitry Moskva Signed a Contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Dmitry Moskva from Mariupol signed a contract with the territorial defense brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine two months before the full-scale invasion. His wife, Olena, was then expecting and waiting for their daughter. Dmitry defended his hometown from the very beginning of the war, during which the occupiers destroyed Mariupol. He had to endure many difficult moments, including injuries and captivity.

“I had a flash drive with my surname - Moskva. A Russian came by and said: 'Oh, look, Moskva! Ha-ha.' He tore the sticker off and put it on his helmet. He was from the city of Moscow,” Dmitry recounted.

During his captivity, he had to endure humiliation and poor nutrition. The occupiers tried to influence him, claiming that there is no nation called Ukrainians. More than anything, thoughts of his family helped Dmitry survive in inhumane conditions.

Now, after captivity, he and his wife are raising their daughter Veronika and trying to live a full life.

Artem Dubina: Severe Injury and Captivity

Artem Dubina, who also went through the horrific experience of captivity, was seriously injured in the neck while defending Mariupol. Together with his comrades, he was surrounded and taken prisoner by the Russians, from where he was rescued on September 13, 2024. Before that, he fought for his country at the front and was demobilized but decided to return to service in the 'Azov' during the full-scale invasion.

Heavily injured and returned home, the freed soldier sang in response to his freedom the song 'Oh in the Meadow the Red Viburnum.'

These stories of fighters who endured incredible trials and maintained faith in victory are truly inspiring for all Ukrainians and support the spirit of the nation during times of war.