'Suffer With Dignity': How A Widowed Ukrainian Soldier Endured Russian Captivity

Recently freed in a prisoner swap, Ukrainian soldier Valeria Subotina told Current Time how she endured 327 days of Russian captivity as a prisoner of war. After her husband was killed in action two days after their wedding, she says she had nothing more to lose.
Originally published at - www.rferl.org/a/widow-ukraine...
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#russia #ukraine

[@erto6144]

Ruzzia was never respected, just tolerated. And the more we see how they operate as a society we can see more tolerance being eroded.

[@MarkGriswold000]

Destroy this evil country RuZZia. A land of true NAZIS

[@virginiaoflaherty2983]

I remember my 3rd grade history book. I went to a Roman Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. There was a picture that made a vivid impression on me as an 8 year old. Through the window of a fancy restaurant was a group of obese men and lavishly dressed beautiful women laughing and eating. A group of starving people were staring at the feast of more food than the people inside could eat. This was my introduction to mother Russia, USSR in those days. Oddly from 1959 to 2023 it seems that nothing much has changed.

[@berritanner3250]

No words…I am humbled by such a strong, brave, courageous woman. A warrior. Praying for her and all Ukrainians to have peace and freedom and healing. God bless you all. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@antiminer2422]

Geroyam Slava!

[@tra757200]

What an amazing person. I feel her loss and I love her along with all Ukrainians. Slava Ukrainie 💔

[@antiminer2422]

Glory to the Heroes 🙏

[@shooster5884]

What an amazing human being. Putin will never win against the Ukrainian spirit. I wish her the happiness in her future that her beloved husband would want for her. May the peace after victory come to her and all Ukraine as soon as possible. And Putin's downfall.

[@louisemurray9282]

So Profound and Wise! God Bless Her and keep her safe!

[@bikechainmic]

God Bless you, you outstanding Lady. I know what your going through, just dont feel that in time you cant move on. I wasted 35 years of life getting over my lost love. Slava Ukraine

[@wordzmyth]

This is so hard to watch but im glad i did. I am shocked at the difficulty of the path she has had to walk. And i admire her human heart so full of determination. I couldnt look at comments until after she finished speaking. Out of respect.

[@markusseitz480]

What a beautiful way to deal with such hardship. 💙💛🇺🇦

[@Dutchman-2002]

it's truly inspiring to see how strong every Ukrainian is, men, women, children, all suffer from the orc infestation yet they persevere for a better free future for their descendants, if there is a god, may they bless the Ukrainian people.

[@shurely2559]

That lady was absolutely amazing I think she handled everything with grace and dignity 🇺🇦💙💛

[@corazonagoncillo2699]

You are right. They are truly inspirational,outstanding. Mariah Carey's song "Hero" fits them so well.

[@centurione6489]

If only western Europeans had a fraction of the 🥎🥎 that Ukrainians have ...

[@davidoconnor393]

Strong i? In America we call it brainwashed puppet Fool's

[@shafts2447]

Orc infestation? Why don’t you just call them niggers? Typical racist crap from a country that has a battalion of freaking Nazis.

[@donkoh5738]

If inspired, I hope poet Subotina continues to write new chapters of life and purpose in general, of hope and Peace and right and wrong, light and dark, universal beauty and cruelty, as it is... because, life is full of brutal honesty and reveals all. God bless you Subotina . Thank you RFE/RL for producing these humbling and powerful interviews and documentaries

[@sarac.3259]

Subotina, you show such immense courage. Dignity indeed. Beautiful faces, Andriy and Subotina - faces that are genuine and warm. Andriy, rest in peace: you will be remembered and your courage is not forgotten.

[@disturbed_deliberations]

The strength, power and determination of Ukrainians is something that has to be admired. I hope you eventually find peace and some happiness.

[@465maltbie]

Every day of your life you will defeat them with your happiness. That is strength. Charles

[@mickeyfilmer5551]

A truly amazing and brave Lady.

[@toneottesen4764]

Dignity is something to live for! A 100%! Stay strong all Ukrainian warriors, both fighters and non-fighters! You are on an incredible important mission for all of us freedom lovers! So...... Slava Ukraini! Heroyam slava! 💙💛 Lots of love from Norway!

[@d33rex64]

I hope she finds peace. And love again. Her husband would want it

[@Kiev-en-3-jours]

Glory to the heroes.

[@pjdu5yifutd]

the russians heroes of course

[@Jenapa]

​@@pjdu5yifutd Those orcs are nothing more than criminals

[@barbarcreighton6726]

смерть ворогам... ми будемо нападати на росіян, де б вони не ховалися Fuck Off

[@mustachegurl1714]

Slava Ukraine from Philippines 🇵🇭🇺🇦

[@SigMaQuint]

Bless her, beautiful and dignified ❤

[@backstabingpike]

Thank you for your sacrifices and continuing to survive ✊

[@thomasbartels5270]

Hallo dear Valeria, you strong ukrainian hero 👍 You have a strong reason to smile, you defend a country with brave people. They all smile and are positive, even when the times are bad . In russia nobody smiles, not their soldiers, not the people on the streets, not the mothers what sends their sons to die to Ukrainia, not the politicians and not the people who is against the war ! Smile, keep your brave husband in your heart and fight for a better future, and i am shure it will come also to you !! In deep respect and all the best to you , slava Ukraina, slava you heroes 🇺🇦❤️👍

[@bigw813]

Strong women!

[@clarechomyn9686]

Eternal memory. I'm so glad she has the strength to live her life with dignity and love.

[@ProgressiveVegan]

Valeria Subotina, Thank you for your courage, dignity, and perseverance. Slava Ukraini. Glory to Andriy Subotin, and the other heroes. RFE/RL/Yulia Zhukova, Thank you for covering this important story.

[@gatti7740]

I just recently watched the mother-in-law trying to find her. So glad she is safe and returned home.

[@lmcsquaredgreendale3223]

It's a heartbreaking love story and yet is inspirational as well. It highlights how resilient the Ukrainian people are and continue to be....

[@davidmctimm777]

Such a brave woman. I hope she finds happiness again!

[@bobbybates2614]

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you dear lady you fought with bravery defending your home land

[@feylezofriza]

Heart breaking

[@kristalkristal2506]

I remember watching her mother-in-law's interview on this same channel and praying for this courageous woman's safe return to the country that she loves and the people who love her. I feel so grateful that she is safe in both body and mind. Thank you for sharing your painful story, Valeria. Your husband will always be alive in your heart. Your country and all the free world hold you with care and with the dignity that you hold for yourself. May God bless your life with joyful years to come. I offer my respect and thanks for your example and your service. Slava Ukriana!

[@TrineDaely]

Her talking about making it through because she promised him she'd get out alive 😭 Laugh or cry is the phrase I'm familiar with in US vernacular, but she's right that a lot of people don't get it. If she goes back into fighting she will be a force to be reckoned with, and not the only widow out there either.

[@sarac.3259]

Indeed. We say, in the UK, if you didn't laugh you would cry - and often in awful situations, although nothing, obviously, on this scale. Incredible courage.

[@donnacollins1356]

God bless this young lady she has a wise soul I wish her peace in her heart and wealth of fond memories of them together ❤

[@johncraig2623]

What a story. What an impressive veteran. She's got dignity in spades.

[@XX-jk7hx]

This lady went through hell as a woman, i think you don't have to say it through which hell she had to go as a POW... Extraordinarily strong like this woman still finds strength! I am so sorry for her Husband... _(Я сподіваюся, що Путін проживе ще довго, але йому доведеться пройти через те саме, що й кожному, а також те, що Китай підтримує Росію, також не є секретом, сподіваюся, ми побачимо, наскільки марними є речі, зроблені в Китаї)_

[@KatsCats2619]

An amazing young lady❤Glory to the heroes

[@wernertognetti5956]

It's hard to listen to her. I'm starting to cry. This strong woman is a great role model and embodies the Ukrainian spirit of staying human in days like these. We stand with you ❤️🇺🇦🇪🇺🇺🇦❤️.

[@josephking6515]

She laughed then and smiles now because she *WON'T* let the scum bastards win. What a gutsy woman. *NEVER* forgive and *NEVER* forget!!! *Слава Україні!* Kia kaha! 💪

[@KatsCats2619]

Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦 💙 💛

[@imaginemetoo]

GLORY TO UKRAINE THE HEROES DEFENDERS OF THE FRONT OF FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY 🇺🇦💪🏻✌🏻💙💛

[@Winstonrodney6989]

Yes! This made me realize the power of laughter. If you can laugh in the face of fear, death and the enemy then you are stronger than them. May she get the last laugh by living a good life in a free and Democratic Ukraine while the Russians suffer in their self made prison run by a madman and his henchmen.

[@lidiakoniuszko9599]

СЛАВА УКРАЇНІ !!! 🙏🏼🇺🇦💙💛🇺🇦🙏🏼 ГЕРОЯМ СЛАВА !!! 🙏🏼🇺🇦💙💛🇺🇦🙏🏼

[@NoSuffix]

Love bravely even when facing brutal enemies and death. This is really touching!

[@dougalportree603]

Such a brave woman! I hope she finds peace and joy. Heroiam slava!

[@passenger3]

It Never ceases to amaze me how strong Ukrainian men and woman are. An Incredible People's

[@nigeljohnson8995]

What a brave and incredible person, I cried watching it. Bless you for your strength.

[@corazonagoncillo2699]

What a very brave,empowered woman!I wish and pray that God will grant her heart's desires.

[@robertmiskey5502]

Incredibly strong people. Victory for Ukraine!

[@DR-pj7sr]

Shame on those who don't stand strongly with heroic Ukrainians. 🇺🇦🇪🇺🇺🇸💪

[@thefastandthedead1769]

Such strength! For freedom alone! Slava Ukraini!

[@eh1702]

What a woman! And what a people Ukrainians are!

[@joehrlein847]

Valeria, Stay strong....you can and you will be strong forever!

[@Coffeeordie._88.]

You are a strong and powerful woman. “It’s better to lose with virtue than to win with wickedness.” I fell in love with Ukrainian and Azov smiles.May you and them know long I would have to live in despair and sorrow without you guys.I want history to record your stories as a most beautiful in people memory.Could you please write?Thank.God bless you all.

[@chrisanstee]

God bless you girl . Your country is just not fighting for itself. It is fighting for the safety and security of the rest of the world only when women like yourself tell their stories or people sit up and take notice of what is happening my heart goes out to you. My heart goes out to your husband. It’s only my belief in God and prayer that knows Ukraine will ultimately triumph over Russia .Your experience has touched me deeply, the bravery and dignity you showed in captivity are simplyg amazing, and it hurts me to know the pain you must be going through .Please know that you have touched a man’s heart on the other side of the world with what happened to you. God has spared you for a reason, live strong, suffer with dignity, and also remember you carry your husband‘s memory and his spirit with you forever. 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇬🇧🇬🇧🇨🇦 from a British born Canadian. Christopher

[@melaniecortez1423]

This absolutely broke 💔 my heart this poor women! Lost her husband in battle but yet continued on even as a pow in Russia what ansteing brave women!! Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@deborahsmyth1277]

Beautiful true courageous woman 😍

[@chriswmgrogan9165]

Your husband will be watching down on you make sure safe he loves you from the bottom of his heart till your reunited with him

[@mirchmama9051]

So proud of you!!

[@davidr3382]

Giving this video a like, just doesn't seem enough for the bravery of that heroic young woman - Slava Ukraini - Heroyam Slava

[@thomassecurename3152]

Incredible strength, courage, and resilience. All blessings to her and Ukrainians undergoing this barbarism. Tom.

[@oldman2800]

Abusing your adversary in war is incredibly counter-productive. It hardens their resolve and motivation as well as helps them unify and consolidate their determination

[@sunnym9752]

Wow...!..what a great lady...!!!...Slava Ukraine🇺🇦...!!!

[@camrenwick]

A strong brave lady. Her beloved husband is at peace now. Slava Ukraine

[@MrArray1967]

Яка смілива жінка. Українська героїня! Слава Україні 🇺🇦 героям слава 🇺🇦 слава ЗСУ 🇺🇦🇩🇰

[@suigeneris3909]

I agree with your beautiful Ukrainian words. Україна переможе 🇺🇦🌻and that will happen because they have the support of all good people in the world, wherever they reside.

[@stefanstanucevic4057]

V sostave Rossii Z V

[@stefanstanucevic4057]

​@@suigeneris3909 Soledar is fall,Bakhmut also I hope so that Russia will win in these war

[@heathercraig526]

One thing I have noticed in the hundreds of hours I have watched since the start of this sensless war...and that is..that Ukranians are always able to raise a smile no matter where they are, or in what circumstance. SLAVA UKRAINE 🇺🇦 ❤❤❤

[@imaginemetoo]

Eternal memory to The fallen HEROES 🇺🇦🔱 Ukraine is blessed to have such courageous, dignified Sons and Daughters 💙💛✌🏻 SLAVA UKRAINI HEROES DEFENDERS OF THE FRONT OF FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY 🇺🇦🔱✌🏻💙💛

[@clalmeida67]

🌠🌠🌠 All the best to this brave woman! May her husband rest in peace! 🌾🌾🌾 Love from Portugal.☀️

[@righteousbyfaithinChrist]

Sorrow for your loss...love like that??? Whew. Glad you remain stringer than thos who chose a violent path.👏❤️🙏💪

[@noellealissa2206]

I'm truly sorry for the loss of your husband. He is in Heaven andI'm sure he is watching over you! May God bless you and keepyou! You are an amazing person and a wonderful inspiration for all! I wish you all of the best! Take care! 🙏❤

[@user-hi1zp4ob7g]

Great🎉🎉🎉 Great🌻🌻🌻 Awesome💙💛💙💛 My respect goes to this precious lady and her husband, the brave Ukrainian defenders❤️‍🔥💗💞 God bless them🙏🙏🙏

[@chitucmaria3493]

😢😢😢🇺🇦🇺🇦♥️♥️♥️♥️🇦🇩

[@mickeberg1234]

God bless heroes of Ukraine 🙏🇺🇦🇸🇪🇺🇦

[@Davest420]

Man I had no idea all this happened. I remember seeing a video about them getting married. I couldn’t even imagine the nightmare she lived. Keep your head up. Love from the USA. I hope this is all done soon

[@yelena3285]

Українська жінка, гідність, краса, незламність та міць нашого народу 🙏 💗🙏🇺🇦

[@johnhutchins1388]

What an amazing woman and truly an example of why Ukraine will endure. She surely has displayed 'dignity in suffering'. Her husband must be very proud!

[@kakimiller8194]

May his memory always be a blessing. 🙏🇺🇦🙏

[@bron1292]

Beautiful attitude. Victory for all Ukrainians. 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

I’m a big man at 2 meters tall and 120kg but I really think that beautiful woman is stronger and braver than I’ll ever be. Power to all Ukrainians in this struggle for freedom and life itself. Cheers, Stuart 🇦🇺

[@philippang07]

The strength of the Ukrainian people astound me. The resolve, depth of maturity and tenderness from the rawness of the emotions she must have felt and continues to feel, is as rare as they come. Peace to her and may she find her love again, one day. Slava Ukraine! We are with you.

[@samdelmastro8027]

Valeria, you are a remarkable, exemplary woman, your courage, strength is admirable, you and your countrymen/women are the reason why Ukraine is loved in the world, your country will win. GOD bless you and Ukraine.

[@PearlTheFrenchie]

My heart bleeds for Ukraine 🇬🇧🇺🇦

[@parasuraman1155]

What a great person. Her love for her husband and her husband’s parents. “Live with dignity, if suffering, suffer with dignity”, great brave words. Warm wishes from India, America, and Canada.

[@jessicaaguilar6435]

"suffer with dignity," every time I watch videos featuring Ukrainians and this ugly nasty Putins war, I am truly in awe of the Ukrainians incredible fighting spirit, men and women, young and old...they have this uniqueness in them, that "something," only a Ukrainian possesses which pissed Putin all the more... Ukraine will be victorious! Peace and freedom for Ukraine!

[@michaelkimber6203]

What inspirational strength and determination this lady shows. Just one ghastly, tragic story among thousands. May you all achieve the peace you so rightly deserve and fulfil the happier futures you are owed. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦💪🇺🇦💪🇬🇧

[@liberallioness4335]

May God bless her and all Ukrainians. People in the United States will stand by each and every one of you until there is peace and each day after. As an American I proudly fly the American and Ukrainian flags in my front yard.

[@tonymercer7759]

What stoicism and dignity this woman shows despite the emotional impact of her experience. There is something about the Ukranian character that is quite remarkable in their ability to handle and recover from appalling adversity and unimaginable treatment by their enemies. Slava Ukraini .God bless them and their families.

[@honeybunch6473]

The story of many brave souls fighting this monstrous invasion. From ashes new life always emerges - stronger, greener, revived and defiant. All the heroes will look upon this with smiles knowing their energy was invested in it. You all have our love and support daily 🇬🇧. You can not remove the pain today of suffering but no future generations will suffer because ofvyour sacrifices. We look forward to the coming celebrations with profound respect. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@CatalystD9]

Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦 Heroyam Slava ✊🙏🇺🇦🔱

[@l.s68]

These heartbreaking stories but yet so strong and lifereassuring. They goes straight to heart❤

[@chris123457839]

Wow. Amazing humanity. Much sympathy and ❤ to this lady and all the others like her. May Ukraine see victory the not too distant future

[@factanonverba6169]

Prayers and strength. May it please the Almighty to heal this brave woman.

[@williamburns9731]

What an honest beautiful young woman. I'm saddened with what has happened to her, loosing her husband to murdering Russian militantly, leaders and horrible Russian orthodox church, karma will deal with them all. Stay strong beautiful lady from William Burns 74yo Australian male pensioner. SLAVA UKRAINE 🇺🇦 VICTORY only to Ukraine 🇺🇦 and the free world 🌎

[@bluecheesehasmoldinit]

So sad but so inspiring. Za Svobodu!

[@Tuck213]

Nothing but respect for this woman

[@salesincu]

Slava Ukrayiny !!! Heroyam Slava !!! Nothing more .... nothing less !!!

[@b-man784]

We will remember them.

[@michaelwheatland4565]

Good thought. Smile through adversity. A mantra for life.

[@boop7313]

Such a tragedy😥 she is a strong warrior, her husband would be so proud of her🥺These beautiful people who probably didn't even want to fight at all but felt a strong duty to do whatever they could to save their country and each other.

[@KIA-MIA-POW]

What a wonderful human being!

[@unprofor9394]

The Ukrainians is a STRONG People. SLAVA UKRAINI from Norway! 🇺🇦💙💛💪🏻🌻🌹🇳🇴

[@ursulah3133]

Lots of love to her. God bless her.

[@dennissutton3767]

I am so sorry for your loss, so proud of you for being so brave and strong.

[@corneliaminor4810]

My deepest sympathy and my highest respect for this woman !!! With what dignity, with what strength does she endure her suffering! For me she represents all the people in Ukraine who lost their loved ones in the brutal war, who suffered so much. I wish her all the best, I hope, she'll find new happiness one day! What suffering Putin brought to Ukraine 😢 !!!

[@marcfasten3895]

"Suffer with dignity". Written in Russian, sounded like the closest thing that individual Jailer could get to an apology for his/hers countries awful act.

[@chuhaistyr3807]

- Greetings from Ukraine! 💙💛 - Thank you for a good and informative video on such an important topic for the English-speaking audience! P.S.: (#GiveUkraineF16) - Ukraine is now defending not only itself, but also the entire democratic world. Because, as you remember, Putin said that NATO should roll back, as he wants, to the borders of 1997. Because he, Putin, wants to conquer all the countries of the former Soviet Union and the Warsaw bloc (Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, etc.) #giveUkraineF16 - So, only way to stop the war started by the Russians is to sufficiently arm the Ukrainian Army, to kick the Russian occupiers out of 1991 borders, and to give Ukraine the opportunity to join NATO / EU. Only that can stop the Russian Killers now and in future! (#giveUkraineF16) - So, in order to speed up peace time and the victory of Ukraine, and the victory of entire Democratic World in general, over the Russian fascist occupiers and the expulsion of the Russian occupiers and killers from Ukraine, so that they, the Russians, no longer have the opportunity to kill us, Ukrainians, we ask you, if possible, your channel, to make a mention in your next videos, about the need to supply Ukraine with F-16. Giving Ukraine F-16 will accelerate the expulsion of the bloody Russian invaders from Ukraine, and will save thousands lives of many Ukrainian civilians...... N.B.: (#GiveUkraineF16) - From Ukraine with love, hope for a quick victory and faith in freedom, Your subscribers! 💙💛 - Ukraine will join NATO, Ukraine will join the EU! - Ukraine, Taiwan and the Entire Democratic World Will Win!

[@mishaillich9728]

What a brave woman, that shows that Ukrainians have the mental and moral power to win the war and be free from any tyrant!