After Four Years Apart, Lifelong Prisoner Serhii Mykhailenko Reunites with His Beloved.

A First Phone Call in Four Years

According to TSN.ua: The story of Tamara Koriagina and Serhii Mykhailenko, shaped by the war in Ukraine, features an emotional phone call after four years of separation, Serhii's life sentence in a Russian prison, and their eventual reunion. Serhii Mykhailenko was taken into 'honorable captivity' after the brutal battles at the Azovstal steel plant. Tamara Koriagina had fled Mariupol in mid-March 2022, leaving her life in the occupied city behind.

Childhood, War, and the 'Polar Wolf'

Serhii served his life sentence in the harsh conditions of the 'Polar Wolf' penal colony on the Yamal Peninsula. Throughout those years, Tamara fought tirelessly for his release. Her words reflect the determination and devotion with which she supported Serhii, even when the situation seemed hopeless.

“I will do everything possible to see him home. I survived Mariupol so I could fight for my beloved.” - Tamara Koriagina

The first call between Tamara and Serhii took place on February 5. Overwhelmed with joy, Serhii said, “My bunny, my sweet, we’ll see each other now, I’ll come to you now, okay?” It was a moment that reunited them after years of separation and suffering. A prisoner exchange program that began in late 2024 finally offered hope for a meeting.

Serhii returned to Ukraine on February 5, 2026, a landmark date in their shared history. Tamara described this moment, noting: “One hell called 'Azovstal' ended, and another began—called captivity.” For them, February 5 became profoundly significant, as Serhii expressed: “Today, February 5, will forever remain in my memory as my second life.” Their reunion stands as a symbol of hope and recovery after all they endured during the war.

This account illustrates not only individual suffering but also the resilience of human bonds that withstand the most severe trials. Amidst war and political repression, such moments of restoration are vital for societal morale. The ongoing exchanges of prisoners of war provide a crucial mechanism for such reunions, offering hope to other families enduring similar hardships.