A Ukrainian soldier who was declared dead in 2023 and whose remains were buried in his home village has been freed from a Russian jail as part of a prisoner exchange, reuniting with his mother after nearly three years.
Nazar Daletskyi, a volunteer soldier, was reported killed in May 2023 after DNA tests matched remains found in a convoy attack. His mother Nataliia buried what she believed to be her son's remains and visited the grave weekly. However, Nazar was actually captured and held by Russian forces.
In a recent prisoner exchange, Nazar was freed. Upon stepping onto Ukrainian territory, he was given a mobile phone and called his mother. A video of the emotional reunion, showing Nataliia wailing with shock and joy, went viral in Ukraine.
Nataliia recounted that Nazar had volunteered for the front in 2022 after Russia's full-scale invasion. He was captured in September 2022 on his 44th birthday. The Ukrainian government mistakenly identified his remains based on a DNA match.
The family is now adjusting to the reality that Nazar is alive. Nataliia expressed relief that her son is safe, though the ordeal has been traumatic for both.
