In brief
As Ukraine marks three years since Russia's full-scale invasion, Olha Kurtmallaieva reflects on her husband's imprisonment and her own battle with cancer, illustrating the profound personal impact of war and the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people.
In the harrowing shadow of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Olha Kurtmallaieva, a 25-year-old woman from Kyiv, epitomizes the plight and persistence of her nation as the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion approaches. Diagnosed with cancer just months before the war broke out, Olha has navigated a treacherous path — her husband, now 31, has been captured by Russian forces, leaving her to fend for both her own health and his potential return. Despite being in remission, Olha's future remains uncertain. She has tirelessly advocated for prisoners of war, organized rallies, and sought solace in literature that delves into the psychological strains endured by her husband. As she grapples with the reality of living without him, her heart is heavy with the collective grief of her fellow Ukrainians, many of whom have faced similar struggles.As the date marking three years since the invasion draws near, Olha reflects on the resilience of her countrymen. She recounts the early days of the conflict when many believed that Kyiv would fall quickly to Russian troops, a prediction that turned out to be tragically optimistic. Now, she faces the grim challenge of balancing her health concerns with a commitment to survival amid the chaos surrounding her.“This has been very hard and very painful,” Olha admits. “But I understand that I did not have another choice and still don’t have one. I just have to keep going and live the life that I have, whether it is good or bad.” Through Olha's story, we gain insight into the personal costs of national trauma, a narrative common in Ukraine, as the war rages on and the struggle for hope continues.
