“Captivity changed my life completely”. Yevhen
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
Two and a half years without seeing your loved ones.
Not knowing what tomorrow will bring. Fighting for your life every single day…
Two and a half years.
That is how long Yevhen Taranenko was held in captivity—a reserve captain and serviceman of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade.
After his release, he said simple but incredibly powerful words:
“Captivity changed my life completely. For me, it’s a story that constantly proves what a person is capable of—what inner strength each of us has.”
But even the strongest people need time to learn how to live without fear again. They need silence. Care. People beside them—people with whom they can finally exhale, even for a moment.
Thanks to your support, the Charity Fund “With an Angel on a Shoulder” was able to give Yevhen and other defenders released from captivity days of recovery in Skhidnytsia, at the “Tustan” Hotel. To some, it may look like a simple vacation. In reality, it is a return to oneself—a small, but deeply important step after surviving hell.
Because life continues after captivity. And it is vital that there are people nearby who can help rebuild it.
The Charity Fund “With an Angel on a Shoulder”, through our “WE ARE FREE!” initiative, continues to document the stories of Ukrainians who have endured Russian captivity.
Each story is unique. Each carries its own pain, its own losses, its own struggle. Yet they are all united by one thing: the terrible evil that Russia has brought to our land and into the lives of Ukrainians.
In these short videos are Yevhen’s memories and his words of gratitude.
And for us, the greatest gratitude is the opportunity to help one more defender.
Even in the darkest times, people can preserve what matters most—brotherhood, humanity, and support for one another.
If you are able, please support this initiative. Every donation becomes a chance for those who have returned from captivity to feel warmth, dignity, and faith in the future again.
If you would like to support our “WE ARE FREE!” initiative, you can donate using the details below:
Recipient: Charity Organization “Charity Fund ‘With an Angel on the Shoulder’”
Registration code (EDRPOU): 41411833
IBAN (UAH): UA323052990000026001041022931
Bank: PrivatBank (Ukraine) · MFO: 305299
Payment reference: Charitable donation / “WE ARE FREE!”
Card (PrivatBank): 5169 3305 2176 1640 (Privat24 users)
Online:
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