A Family Divided: The Harrowing Journey of a Ukrainian Medic and Her Sons

Liliia Prutian, a former military medic from the Donetsk region of Ukraine, has lived through unimaginable trauma amid the ongoing conflict. At 56 years old, she is a widow and mother of three sons, each of whom has taken drastically different paths since the outbreak of war. Their story, chronicled by The New York Times, reveals the deep personal toll of the war.

Before the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Prutian worked at a gas station, earning a mere $140 monthly. Seeking a better life for her family, she joined the Ukrainian army in 2017, first serving as an accountant and later as a medic in the Aidar Battalion. This battalion gained notoriety in Russian propaganda, often branded as a symbol of 'Ukrainian Nazism.'

When conflict escalated, Prutian found herself in Mariupol, where she was captured by Russian forces. During her captivity, she endured horrific assaults, including rape, and later faced terrorism charges in a military court. She eventually managed to return to Ukraine through a prisoner swap, but her heart was heavy with worry for her youngest son, Dima, who was stranded in their hometown of Blyzhnie, now occupied by Russian troops.

While Prutian was away, Dima, just 17 at the time, was left alone in a war-torn environment. His two older brothers were on opposite sides of the conflict: one serving in the Ukrainian army and the other aligned with Russian forces. The situation grew dire when Dima fell ill with complications from Type 1 diabetes, requiring hospitalization for months. His middle brother, who had chosen to fight for Russia, delivered him to the hospital but provided no further support.

As the war progressed, Dima's middle brother distanced himself from the family, marrying a pro-Russian woman and ultimately joining the Russian army. Prutian discovered his betrayal during her trial when his testimony against her was presented. Meanwhile, Dima faced the challenges of life under occupation, including theft from his home by Russian soldiers.

After being released from captivity, Prutian sought to reunite with her son. Fearing for his safety, she orchestrated a complex escape for Dima, using a taxi driver to smuggle him a Ukrainian passport and secure his passage out of occupied territory. Eventually, the two were reunited in Kyiv after a grueling journey across several countries.

Upon reuniting in late February 2025, Prutian found Dima emotionally withdrawn, a testament to the trauma they had both endured. They now reside in Dnipro, where Prutian continues her work for the Ukrainian army in a desk job, while Dima has resumed his studies. Their family remains fractured, with the middle son fighting for Russia and suffering injuries in combat, but Prutian has chosen not to seek details about his fate.

Source: meduza.io