When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, 21-year-old Nazar Kaihorodov made an agonizing decision: he helped his partner Viktoria and their son Yaroslav flee their home in Chernihiv and cross the border to safety. Then he stayed behind to fight.
We were terrified for our son, Viktoria recalls. It all happened so quickly. They told us in the evening, and by morning, we were gone. I honestly thought wed never see each other again. Leaving was one of the hardest things Ive ever done.
Nazar joined the Ukrainian armed forces and was soon sent to the front lines. For the first few months, the couple stayed in touch. But on July 10, 2022, Viktoria stopped receiving messages from him. Panic set in.
He hadnt written for two days. I tried reaching his brothers wife, and his brother told me Nazars commander would call. When he finally did, he said Nazar was badly wounded. They found him covered in blood, she said.
