A mother of two is in conflict with Putin. - Luba bravely fought while pregnant on the Ukraine front line
### The Early Years of War for Luba
At only 17 years old, Luba was just embarking on a medical studies journey, a move that soon became overshadowed by a much greater task. When Russia assaulted eastern Ukraine in 2014, the young girl felt compelled to aid her homeland. She made the challenging decision to join the volunteer corps.
Posing as a friend's visitor, she went to the frontline.
At the combat zone, Luba met the love of her life, Evgeny. Soon after, the couple married and she conceived. Despite becoming a new mother, Luba had to commit to a crucial mission and found herself trapped in Slovyansk. It took four agonizing months before she was allowed to return home to give birth to a son.
Her joy was short-lived, however. She returned to the front, leaving her newborn behind with her parents. One whole year elapsed before Luba could cradle him in her arms again—but the child did not recognize her. "Having my mother's heart torn apart is painful. My only consolation is: I'm fighting for his freedom," said Luba.
The Tragic Loss of a Loved One
2018 continued the brutality. Luba's husband, Evgeny, sadly perished during the Russian attack in the Luhansk region. Luba was resting at the time due to her pregnancy with their second child.
A quaver in her voice, Luba said, "Russia and Putin robbed me of everything — my husband, my friends, the joy of being a mother — everything."
While the Ukrainian government hopes to entice their displaced male compatriots back home, the welfare assistance they receive in Germany is seen as a hindrance to their return. To speed up the return of able-bodied men, CDU defense politician Roderich Kiesewetter has suggested that aid should be revoked. The repercussions of this decision would ripple across all EU nations, as 25% of the 1.15 million displaced Ukrainians sought refuge in Germany.
The appeal to return is intensified by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who implied that work acceptance would determine the likelihood of remaining in Germany. To date, only one-quarter of refugees have taken this route. The majority of them rely on welfare.
Sleepless Nights and Separation
Luba and her comrades yearn for assistance. While she no longer serves on the front line, she is a military medic in the army hospital, saving hundreds of lives. Despite her vital role, Luba's life is not far from chaos. To feel connected to her loved ones, she calls in the mornings to share brief moments with her children and parents.
Rest and sleep are luxuries that Luba rarely enjoys. "I've been fighting Russia for years, and the enemy is trying to familiarize us with death," she said of her routine.
Luba's life is filled with urgent purpose. "I believe in creating value for your family and homeland," she emphasized. "That's why I fight for freedom. It's more important to endure this hard life than for my children to experience it later."
However, she accepts that she sees her children only once a year. Her two children, nine-year-old boy and five-year-old girl, linger in western Ukraine with their grandparents.
Loba embraces the pain and is ready to carry on until the international community is awakened to the price for Ukrainian independence. Despite suffering two shrapnel injuries, Luba remains unwavering. "My mission is not yet complete."
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Source: symclub.org
