An astonishing phone call has revealed that Ukrainian serviceman Nazar Daletskyi, who was reported dead in 2022 during the first year of Russia’s full‑scale invasion, is alive. The unexpected contact has left his relatives grappling with a mix of relief, disbelief and lingering trauma.
Background
Nazar Daletskyi, a native of the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, was listed among the casualties of the 2022 fighting that saw some of the war’s fiercest battles. His family received official confirmation of his death and mourned his loss for more than a year.
The Call
In a video that quickly spread across social media platforms, Daletskyi can be heard speaking to his mother, sister and other close relatives. His voice, hoarse but unmistakable, confirms his identity and explains that he had been taken prisoner, later transferred to a detention facility, and eventually released under circumstances that remain unclear.
Family Reaction
Overwhelmed, his mother burst into tears, while his sister struggled to process the reality of hearing her brother’s voice after months of grief. “We thought we had said goodbye forever,” the mother said, “and now he is here, alive, but the pain of those lost months remains.”
Official Response
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has not yet released a statement regarding Daletskyi’s status, but officials have previously acknowledged that numerous soldiers captured during the early phases of the conflict were later repatriated through prisoner‑of‑war exchanges.
Broader Implications
Daletskyi’s case underscores the chaotic nature of wartime record‑keeping and the emotional toll on families left in limbo. Human‑rights groups have repeatedly warned that many families receive inaccurate or delayed information about the fate of their loved ones, complicating the grieving process and hindering post‑conflict reconciliation.
What Comes Next
Medical personnel are reportedly assessing Daletskyi’s health, as prolonged captivity often results in physical and psychological trauma. His family has expressed a desire for privacy while they navigate the challenges of reintegration and recovery.
The poignant reunion serves as a stark reminder of the human stories hidden behind the statistics of war, and of the enduring hope that can surface even in the darkest of times.
