In a story that has stunned Ukraine and offered a rare moment of hope amid war, a soldier declared dead and buried nearly three years ago has returned home alive after being released in a prisoner exchange.
From funeral to unexpected return
Nazar Daletskyi was officially declared dead in May 2023 after a DNA match confirmed his identity. His remains were brought back to his home village near Lviv, where his family held a funeral and buried him with full honours.
For months, his mother Nataliia visited his grave, mourning what she believed was the loss of her only son.
A call that changed everything
Weeks ago, everything changed. Daletskyi was released from a Russian prison as part of a prisoner exchange. Moments after returning to Ukrainian territory, he was handed a phone.
When Nataliia heard his voice for the first time in years, the emotional moment was captured on video and widely shared across the country.
“My God, how long I’ve waited for you,” she said, overwhelmed with shock and relief.
Years of uncertainty and grief
Daletskyi had volunteered to fight in the early days of the war. After weeks of brief phone calls, contact was suddenly lost. Later, officials informed the family that he had died, citing DNA confirmation.
His remains were returned in sealed sacks, and his funeral was attended by villagers, clergy and military personnel. His mother even placed clothes and food in the coffin, believing he had suffered during captivity.
Truth emerges after prisoner exchange
The truth surfaced when recently released prisoners reported seeing Daletskyi alive. Authorities later confirmed he had been held in captivity all along.
He is currently undergoing rehabilitation and remains in regular contact with his mother through video calls. While he has hinted at harsh conditions during captivity, he has not shared full details.
Mystery over mistaken identity
The case has raised serious questions about the earlier DNA identification. Authorities have exhumed the buried remains for fresh testing to determine whose body was mistakenly identified.
A story of hope amid war
For Nataliia, the focus now is on her son’s return. She is preparing his favourite meals and looking forward to embracing him again after years of grief.
The story has resonated deeply across Ukraine, serving as a reminder of both the human cost of war and the unexpected moments of hope that can emerge even in the darkest times.