This is a story about holding on when your son has been in captivity for three years. And about a warrior who heroically defended Ukraine and now, in captivity, can only dream of a normal life.
And before I forget. I’m wishing everyone at The Counteroffensive a quiet and blessed Christmas. May the real meaning of the season fill the hearts of yourselves and those you love, if only for now, with the joy and peace we wish for, deserve and will hopefully have in the coming year.
“People become family not only through birth, marriage, or adoption…There is such a depth of acceptance, trust, and shared joy that blood kinship is forgotten.”
Iryna’s words perfectly describe the story of my Ukrainian family. I can’t imagine the heartbreak she endures. Yet I see that her love and bravery are inspirational and more importantly, I believe, will keep her son alive. When shared bonds of love are strong, we can overcome the worst of obstacles. This war has taught me that. I pray for her, Yaroslav, and all her sons. Thank you for another story of hope. ♥️
Thinking of Iryna, Yaroslav and the beautiful Dulcinea this Christmas. And may everyone at the Counteroffensive have health and joy in the New Year. Thank you for your reporting and your perseverance.
Thanks for keeping us informed about the human side of the war. It's easy to get lost in the statistics of casualties, equipment destroyed, territory lost or gained. Ultimately, this war is about those who defend against the invasion and their families. Their stories matter.
Difficult to type through tears in my eyes - wishes and prayers seem so futile, but I'll simply add my desires to those of the Ukrainian people - Slava Ukraini!
My heart is full for Ukraine's sons, daughters, and extended families - all paying an unimaginable price for the freedom of their country. Their efforts will not be overlooked as long as their struggles and sacrifices are remembered by a free press. Thank you to The Counteroffensive!
Holidays are coming here but thinking of the grief and hardship and danger that Ukraine continues to face makes it hard to rejoice. How I wish Ukrainians could have peace and safety and the government of their choice. Slava Ukraine. And thankyou Counteroffensive.
💙💛😢 Such sadness & pain in this story - which is not a "story" but an avoidable cruelty of an unjust war 🤬 When I first read the original story I had hoped that by now Yaroslav would be home with Iryna & on the road to recovery - I am glad Iryna has Dulcinea to help with love & cuddles & imagining them being introduced when Yaroslav is free 🫂 Thank you Counteroffensive for keeping us grounded in the good & the bad of this illegal invasion, & wish the best that can be for all of those missing loved ones this 🎄season - let us work towards 2025 being as good as we can make it TOGETHER with others of good intent ❤️💜 - if we give in to hopelessness the "bad guys" win eh⁉️
My thanks to everyone on The Counteroffensive team for keeping us aware of how Russia's terroristic invasion has disrupted ordinary life for the brave people of Ukraine. Wishing you all a calm, peaceful Christmas and a happier new year.♥️
And before I forget. I’m wishing everyone at The Counteroffensive a quiet and blessed Christmas. May the real meaning of the season fill the hearts of yourselves and those you love, if only for now, with the joy and peace we wish for, deserve and will hopefully have in the coming year.
Thanks Jaye :) merry Christmas to you too
“People become family not only through birth, marriage, or adoption…There is such a depth of acceptance, trust, and shared joy that blood kinship is forgotten.”
Iryna’s words perfectly describe the story of my Ukrainian family. I can’t imagine the heartbreak she endures. Yet I see that her love and bravery are inspirational and more importantly, I believe, will keep her son alive. When shared bonds of love are strong, we can overcome the worst of obstacles. This war has taught me that. I pray for her, Yaroslav, and all her sons. Thank you for another story of hope. ♥️
Thinking of Iryna, Yaroslav and the beautiful Dulcinea this Christmas. And may everyone at the Counteroffensive have health and joy in the New Year. Thank you for your reporting and your perseverance.
Oh, my heart hurts for Iryna and I hope her beautiful Yaroslav is returned to her soon.
Thanks for keeping us informed about the human side of the war. It's easy to get lost in the statistics of casualties, equipment destroyed, territory lost or gained. Ultimately, this war is about those who defend against the invasion and their families. Their stories matter.
Difficult to type through tears in my eyes - wishes and prayers seem so futile, but I'll simply add my desires to those of the Ukrainian people - Slava Ukraini!
My heart is full for Ukraine's sons, daughters, and extended families - all paying an unimaginable price for the freedom of their country. Their efforts will not be overlooked as long as their struggles and sacrifices are remembered by a free press. Thank you to The Counteroffensive!
Holidays are coming here but thinking of the grief and hardship and danger that Ukraine continues to face makes it hard to rejoice. How I wish Ukrainians could have peace and safety and the government of their choice. Slava Ukraine. And thankyou Counteroffensive.
And wishing you light and joy for Christmas and the New Year!
This was so touching! I'll pray for her and her family, including Dulcinea. Thank you for bringing us these stories.
My heart goes out for Iryna and to all the families that have missing members.Stay safe and thank you so much for your reporting.
💙💛😢 Such sadness & pain in this story - which is not a "story" but an avoidable cruelty of an unjust war 🤬 When I first read the original story I had hoped that by now Yaroslav would be home with Iryna & on the road to recovery - I am glad Iryna has Dulcinea to help with love & cuddles & imagining them being introduced when Yaroslav is free 🫂 Thank you Counteroffensive for keeping us grounded in the good & the bad of this illegal invasion, & wish the best that can be for all of those missing loved ones this 🎄season - let us work towards 2025 being as good as we can make it TOGETHER with others of good intent ❤️💜 - if we give in to hopelessness the "bad guys" win eh⁉️
Thank you for telling us about Iryna and Yaroslav. May he and his fellow POWs come home soon.
My thanks to everyone on The Counteroffensive team for keeping us aware of how Russia's terroristic invasion has disrupted ordinary life for the brave people of Ukraine. Wishing you all a calm, peaceful Christmas and a happier new year.♥️