Ukraine: Thousands of soldiers are dead and more will die - what about their wives? | DW News

Ukraine says its forces have pushed back Russian troops by more than a kilometer in several areas in the eastern Donbas region.
In the past few days, Kyiv has stepped up its operations around the city of Bakhmut, which Wagner forces seized after months of intense fighting and then handed over to Russian soldiers.
There are no official data on exactly how many Ukrainian soldiers have been killed on the battlefield since the war began 16 months ago. Some estimates putting the number close to 18 thousand. With the ongoing counteroffensive, these numbers are expected to rise. That leaves more people dealing with the loss of loved ones, especially the wives of fallen soldiers.
DW’s Aya Ibrahim met with a woman who has created a community to help widows deal with their loss.
#ukraine #warinukraine #widow
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[@l.a.xgunner]

No one is stronger than a war widow. They lost their loved ones to a brutal and gruesome war. Having to carry that hardship knowing their loves ones will never come back. I can't image how tough it is.

[@seabiscuit726142]

And also imagine that their death was in vain...only for the ambition of a crazy old lunatic...

[@bmer92k86]

The men who died were stronger then the war widows.

[@therealman2016]

@@seabiscuit726142what you talking About they defending their land form Putin

[@Manntashsh-Pyrre-yr1yp]

​@@therealman2016Ukraine did not have to start this war and then it would not have to die. There were peaceful ways to resolve the conflict.

[@ronaldmcdonald5299]

​@@Manntashsh-Pyrre-yr1yp lol. Russian are agresive. . US should nuke russia and china after ww2.

[@friendlyboylulea]

I am sorry to see this. This video made me deeply sad. The ones who decide to invade their neighbor clearly do not have any respect for human life.

[@user-cv8xw8zn5u]

We need ☮️

[@calistusfrancis1340]

Like Nato

[@mechwarrior4793]

Yeah, can’t think of any other country that invades other countries on the daily 😂😂. Oh wait, there is one, starts with U and ends with A with S in the middle 😂

[@TheTuareg]

US and Europe

[@kentershackle1329]

Hw about the ones which are FORCED ASSIMILATED and thier CULTURE CANCELLED ?.

[@Kartoffelsuppe_m_Wursteinlage]

Simply heartbreaking. I have two wishes: 1) That these poor families have no financial problems. 2) That all Russians who are “not interested in politics” face the consequences of their ignorance.

[@alexanderpepkin4110]

Maybe you should face the consequences for instigating this war ?

[@MrKbtor2]

@@alexanderpepkin4110 POS Putin is the only one to blame troll

[@therealman2016]

@@alexanderpepkin4110like your mom does ?

[@Kartoffelsuppe_m_Wursteinlage]

@alexanderpepkin4110 Before this war comes to and end, Putin will destroy the russian society as well. Putin is less problematic for the west than for the russians. So run, troll, run!

[@SurfinScientist]

@@alexanderpepkin4110 What are you talking about?!? It was Russians who started this war. How can you be so ignorant?

[@ramongalvez6193]

Painful. Working in civilian and military hospitals for 17 years, I empathize and sympathize with these widows. I’ve buried enough in my past. It is always painful….✌️🙏

[@davidlasoff8261]

Your men DID NOT die in vain. They are forever heroes of Ukraine and will be honored in your FREE country in written histories, memorials and ceremonies every year and will NEVER be forgotten. Your grief is your love from your broken 💔s that can only heal in time as you see generations of children growing up in the INDEPENDENT EUROPEAN country that your men now heroes gave to them. Ukraine is beautiful now and your sacrifice and loss, so terrible that only women who have lost their men in war can understand. Your suffering is holy. Don't let anyone tell you not to cry over your loss. Cry and share your loss so others will learn how awful is war, especially when it is forced upon you. Thank you for sharing your pain. Slava Ukraina 🇺🇦❤.

[@MrManny075]

This war could have been avoided if Nato accepted Putin's demands and the Ukrainian government give autonomy to the separatist, Nato didn't want to lose face so they sacrificed Ukraine. People seem to always ignore the reality that the only thing that we own in this world is time nothing else once it's up it's up for good.

[@user-lq5yo7qt8f]

What are they dying for? Certainly not for anything of value.

[@Blitzkers99]

Their values will be erased

[@alexsalemo9137]

Nonsense… from your sofa 🛋️ is easy to vomiting all this nonsense…

[@Memovox]

BlackRock appreciates your support.

[@freddawarren3502]

18000 is by far a small number. Please tell the truth.

[@ah..1178]

They don’t know the number of killed Ukrainian soldiers but do about Russians 😂😂😂😂

[@SingWithUkraine]

Glory to the brave defenders of Ukraine!

[@user-lq5yo7qt8f]

... dying for Lindsey Graham and the corrupt cabal he represents

[@managerofthebotfarm7111]

Bonus belongs to this glory- b o t.

[@jackytang3683]

Bot

[@yungskoota5016]

Kick Zelensky out and your dreams will come true 😂😂😂

[@mdayubkhan3080]

God bless you and your family

[@slimeydon]

As a widower, i feel everything they are feeling, if i could i'd give everyone one of them a hug. The Russian people who lost their persons too. I hurt for both sides. nobody understands the pain and emptiness you feel when your person is no longer in this world. God bless them.

[@Blitzkers99]

People tried to make peace but Zelnsky Disagreed

[@valentinakuleshova5978]

​@@Blitzkers99don't lie, russo bot

[@user-lq5yo7qt8f]

@@valentinakuleshova5978 He is not lying. The Ukrainian government wanted a fight with Russia. They were praying for war. Now they have it.

[@Occamsrazor336]

​@@Blitzkers99go get some vodka, ruskie.

[@sharon_shaw]

If RuSSia complains about russophobia then they should look at the wall of the fallen to know why they're hated. So many Ukranian lives have been destroyed or interrupted by ruSSian depravity. Slava 💙🇺🇦💛

[@lindaS_]

So sad to see these young widows left alone to cope with their pain and children to raise 😪

[@suranjanabasu498]

All of you are Great, just what the whole world needs right now. My thoughts are always with you. ❤❤

[@user-cv8xw8zn5u]

🇦🇺🇬🇧🇺🇸 d on't care about those wives with children. 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇦🇺 want young Ukrainian women.

[@RoundBaguette]

​@@user-cv8xw8zn5ugreat input "user-cv8xw8zn5u" here's your 5 rubles

[@emmanueladubonsu1875]

We will always support them ❤ 💜 ♥ 💙 💕 💖 ❤ 💜 ♥ 💙 💕 💖 ❤

[@user-cv8xw8zn5u]

🇦🇺🇬🇧🇺🇸 d on't care about those wives with children. 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇦🇺 want young Ukrainian women.

[@Stebetto3]

​@@user-cv8xw8zn5uOh. That's why Wagner and Ruskies run around r@ping children and women....

[@Justsayin999]

❤heartbreaking 😢

[@homayuns2165]

I am so sorry to see so many die because of one evil man "putin" . God bless Ukraine.

[@alexsalemo9137]

Nonsense

[@antonfan-iv2ju]

Tell that to your doctor...

[@marisabenson1222]

Very sad I'm sorry

[@offset5328]

There is No way Ukraine has only lost 18000 that number should be Times 4 I think

[@alexsalemo9137]

12 times , 257 thousands casualties, only Bakhmut 70 thousands, AZOV, 50 thousands

[@valentinakuleshova5978]

​@@alexsalemo9137russo idio-bot

[@jchock7503]

More like 300,000 Ukrainian men killed in this needless war so far. The Ukrainian government and NATO are trying to hide the real figure so as not to cause consternation and panic among the Ukrainian people. So that they do not turn on their own government.

[@Mark-mo7rv]

For every single soul who fought for peace and for Ukraine may you rest in peace with Gods love.

[@managerofthebotfarm7111]

Pro-w a r comment is lovely. Well done.

[@jrrarglblarg9241]

@@managerofthebotfarm7111 👈“Joined Aug 23, 2022”

[@white69cracker]

​@@jrrarglblarg9241pro war comment is lovely . Well done

[@jrrarglblarg9241]

@@white69cracker 👈🐿🤖

[@RoseFuneral]

They died defending not just Ukraine but the entire planet on terms of freedom and democracy. They may be gone but their names will live on forever. Immortal through history.

[@yaoliang1580]

I have great sympathy for the innocent Ukrainians n great respect for their heroic army, sadly they died for a lost cause as they are used as a sacrificial pawn by the corrupt US puppet zelensky to defend US imperialism n hegemony which is the greatest cause of sorrow n destruction in the world.

[@elletuppen4844]

What a brave and gracious woman to create a safe space for all these women united in their grief love and cause to save their country. We commend you and send love and blessings from South Africa❤

[@latexbuster]

It absolutely breaks my heart to see this, and there will be thousands that have been killed, good men, and women, people that would have led good lives with their families and friends, people that would have contributed to a better Ukraine, people that are now silenced forever. And all because of a heartless, brutal, self obsessed man that started all this in 2014. Their blood will be on his hands forever. He may think he is powerful and in control in this life, but he is old and his death will come one day not so far away, and then he will have to face his maker, alone, and answer for all of this. Who will cry for his soul?

[@fajarliong]

It is sad to watch for any human being died caused by violence, whoever he/ she is. May God bless. Avoid war at all cost. Win the war without a battle. That will be the greatest wisdom. Before fighting a war, know your enemy strength, more importantly know your own strength. A thousand soldiers die in a war is very small a number for a country. A man dies means everything for a family. Wise leader avoids war, as he doesn't feel the pride watching his people in agony. Take away the thought about fighting for peace and freedom. A dead man is neither peace nor free, it is called death and family sorrow and agony.

[@Astepatatimekvarn]

I'm sorry for your losses. It's very sad

[@user-cv8xw8zn5u]

Yes, we all want peace

[@BarkingSpyda]

🇺🇦🇦🇺 our love & support ... Slava Ukraini 🔱

[@garettdoornwaard4822]

"Enslave ukraine"- blackrock

[@user-cv8xw8zn5u]

🇦🇺🇬🇧🇺🇸 d on't care about those wives with children. 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇦🇺 want young Ukrainian women.

[@bernicedanahay7851]

@@user-cv8xw8zn5u what have you been smoking

[@luciferjohnson8495]

​@bernicedanahay7851 he is telling the truth

[@Blitzkers99]

​@@bernicedanahay7851Its the truth

[@howardwhite9773]

Deeply moving piece. Please keep us posted.

[@alexsalemo9137]

I don’t want be any heroes, I want live and see my children’s growing up, nonsense about heroes.

[@chenghonggoh4746]

It is not easy to move on in life with a hole in your heart. Hopefully the loved ones around her will help lift her up and help her move on.

[@looinrims]

US General George Patton is quoted “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”

[@alexsalemo9137]

Petreus, is sound uneducated general same as Ben Hodge, they are delusional lying about this conflict

[@martincatoniryan1638]

nice quote.the heroes of Ukraine will never be forgotten!! Slava Ukraini!

[@nohandler1493]

that wall alone contains more than 18 thousands.

[@nicolledodrill5238]

Tatjana's husband would be proud. I hope these women can find a way to live with their grief.

[@jofielding4547]

This is heart breaking that so many are unity because of there grief but I am pleased that they have an out let a safe place to BE may God bless you all ❤

[@yaoliang1580]

It's a pity so many innocent Ukrainians died for a lost cause defending US imperialism n hegemony

[@forestchild3511]

Tragic

[@hybridinfodesk409]

18k they are a lie.

[@jacqdanieles]

All because of Orcs

[@hvacdesignsolutions]

They won't be forgotten. They'll live on through you, your children and grandchildren.

[@awegeny6875]

Brave Ukrainian Womens! I as Tigrayan and a well war experienced person, all I want to say is that your Brave Mens are not died in vein, but while defending what's their's, Remember! Those heroes and heroines are not fighting, because of they hates Russians or wants to invaded other Neighbouring Territories, but due to because of they loves Ukrainians and wants Ukrainian's right for self-determination, self rule, the right to live freely and most importantly the right to live as Ukrainians to be respected at any cost, For that reason of course for me they are not fallen soldiers, Perhaps they are great heroes and heroines, who sacrificed their precious lives for the bright future of Tomorrow's Generation of Ukrainians, Slava Ukraini💪💪💪.

[@user-sz3pd5uk2q]

May i ask how's the situation in tigray nowadays, is the un aid being let through as promised?

[@Manntashsh-Pyrre-yr1yp]

You are ill-informed. This war is going on because some Ukrainians began to oppress other Ukrainians. Just Kyiv did not respect the right of people to self-determination, self-government and the right to choose their own lives. It was Kyiv that began to bomb the inhabitants of Donbass.

[@StevenJones-ez3fr]

For all those criticising their quoted number 18,000 deaths, remember the difference between deaths and casualties taking soldiers out of combat. Most sources estimate to-date casualties to around 250,000 on both sides, however only about 10% or so are deaths. Most are injured in varying degree, either temporarily (e.g. broken legs) or permanently (e.g. lost legs) or taken as prisoners of war.

[@gideongiggie5017]

It don't matter 1 person is too much we can't say 18k and start justifying why the west gives weapons or promote a proxy war thatwas avoidable for their greed. I refuse to say it's okay it's not. And let the truth be told this war will be the undoing of the USA and its allies. We know the truth and however much they try twist words in there favour won't work

[@cat_city2009]

The US estimate from a month ago is 20k.

[@sendinkarovic]

yeah the 18k dead are also an lie, i saw more than 18k dead on Telegram in pro Russian channels....and much more dead Russians in pro Ukrainian channels . The media is adding to the conflict by spinning narrative driven lies, it will go to the last Ukrainian because UA is not allowed to lose now anything.

[@Loadedopinions]

😭😭😭😭

[@crushnevnikita8575]

Wake up ukrainians.. Its time to be reasonable, stop the war, you are being used by US and NATO thanks to zelenskyy..

[@ckwong1533]

So sad 😢

[@sunalouw348]

This just made me cry! 😭😭😭 A whole generation of Ukrainians lost because of this war and many more to die. Victory will come but at what cost?

[@remix-yy1hs]

To join nato

[@donaldj3286]

Praying for all soldier who fight to defend Ukraine 🙏 may all of you survived.

[@stephen2975]

It is a disgrace nobody is pursuing peace, all these souls lost, for what?

[@yaoliang1580]

Ask your US master who is chiefly responsible for provoking n prolonging this US proxy war in Ukraine

[@dedyzee]

Just be peaceful Ukraine and don't follow US geopolitics, because they don't want to lose

[@celiaowen2444]

My heart and soul is with you ladies. It is wonderful that you have the support for the pain. It doesn’t go away but you are changing it to more positive pain. Keep going with the support I know what it is to have no support since January 1995 I live with it every day without anyone xx ❤❤

[@tom1949213]

Grief will only end when we are united with our loved ones on that golden shore. God bless Ukranian

[@user-cv8xw8zn5u]

Peace talks?

[@stevenandrews5245]

My heart goes out for them

[@cdobrown6475]

God bless the Ukrainian people.

[@pietro5856]

@@UFOZone51 bot

[@mr.kliane]

This world is sick

[@chongseitmooi2593]

Only prayer may reaching to d deceased soul ❤

[@jorgevelazquez7433]

Beautiful story

[@user-ku2uz9pp8s]

The most unnecessary war, started by Puttin

[@Memovox]

BlackRock appreciates your support.

[@MrAngel750]

God bless Ukrainians 🙏

[@phil2806]

He's doing it in person 😂

[@AB1377Z]

🤡

[@elizabethnjoki6186]

It's so sad that those who fight and kill don't know each other but they are fighting a war of people who know and hate each other . May the world desire peace 🙏

[@hamish1309]

One day the blame will land squarely on the culprits, the politicians who let it get so far and the politicians who canned the 22 peace deal.

[@rl945]

Highest respect to the heroic people of Ukraine.

[@user-cv8xw8zn5u]

DONETSK Republic ❤️❤️❤️

[@martincatoniryan1638]

they are all heroes, the ppl of Ukraine! Very brave and resilient!

[@awequayzngs1780]

Husband to the widows is our loving, caring, whose Heart ❤️ can be touched by the feelings of our infirmity, Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

[@triumphbobberbiker]

Thank you DW for your efforts at keeping us informed with unbiased, honest reporting

[@sailor123ize]

Lots of young widows and fatherless children. How sad.

[@krishnaisaga4817]

18000? Is that a bluff or are you guys for real😂

[@palar4195]

commanders do not sent casualties reports, to receive salaries of the fallen.

[@stanthefeline]

Kudos to those who organize support groups.

[@deecee1522]

SLAVA UKRAINI❤‍🔥

[@Memovox]

BlackRock appreciates your support.

[@kiswiririfreddie3110]

😢so sad.

[@Dawlada]

It is very sad story.

[@khangvutien2538]

Yes. “War is not Hollywood”, it’s broken lives and broken families.

[@doricetimko5403]

My heart wants to soothe theirs

[@Interglacial_optimist]

Almost one mile. 😮

[@hohepatewhiu1818]

"Ukraine hasn't even reached Russia's first line of defense yet

[@deliafamatigan8764]

My sympathy to the the widows of fallen Ukrainian Soldiers. From United States of America.

[@yaoliang1580]

I too sympathise with the innocent Ukrainians who died for a lost cause defending US imperialism n hegemony

[@koruptorbesar9141]

One must ask "if country respects the death of soldiers, why the number of death must be kept as the deepest secret. Is the number too high that the decision maker would risk people revolting for sacrificing too many lives too easily? Where is the freedom of information, transparency? Thought the western world champion these two freedom, yet nobody would say a single word." If everyone loves Ukrainians, this question should be raised out loud. We shouldn't keep quiet while we do not even know how many heroes have died. Why?

[@darryllatham3780]

Do you tell your enemies your at 15% strength or make them think you're at 70%.

[@koruptorbesar9141]

@@darryllatham3780 To show them strength, you beat them up all the way until but one inch of land is occupied. That's real strength, otherwise it only looks like a proxy war agent for the hegemony and in the progress to do so sacrificing ten of thousand lifes. Von derleyen made a speech about 6 months ago shouting about 120k deaths, and immediately the "democratic government who respects freedom of speech" tell them to censor that information immediately. But the world watched that, many did. What a pity for all the widows. Anyone who loves human being sincerely do not so easily say fighting for peace and freedom watching as many life wasted. Yet the ones who say so have all their loved ones far far far far far away from battlefield.

[@mjmoonbow]

Glory to the heroes!

[@rexdeus5581]

so sad

[@Germanshepherdandhnamazimullah]

So sad for both side

[@alieudarboe9104]

Absolutely disheartening and heart-breaking! May the noble souls of the fallen heroes continue to rest in eternal peace! God bless Ukraine and all their allies and supporters!

[@yaoliang1580]

It's more heart breaking to khow these innocent Ukrainians died for a lost cause defending US imperialism n hegemony

[@mattmark94]

"Men die. Women most affected" 🙄

[@freddawarren3502]

Sad story for Ukraine and Russia. Stop the war.

[@marksimpson6387]

And how many have died in this offensive for 1 klm for what

[@dushyantchahal2881]

More than 300000 have died and double of that have been injured

[@VsevolodSidorenko]

yeah alot of ruzzians have died and even more will die

[@Suckit-yg7wo]

​@@VsevolodSidorenko aww kid coping by writing zzzz 😂

[@dushyantchahal2881]

@@VsevolodSidorenko i gave the no. Of dead ukrainians

[@chrissmith7669]

The true horrible cost of freedom.

[@azerazer9236]

We share Ur pain, as Widows & mothers....

[@Jay-hr3rh]

One day, the truth will come out about this war.

[@hallaback2010]

NEGOTIATE PEACE!!!

[@paulcock8929]

18.000 soldiers, are you jocking DW? It is much more.

[@Tititateo63]

That shows the importancy of cease-fire in Ukraine to save lives and to start peace talks!🕊

[@martincatoniryan1638]

and all land given back to Ukraine and reparations paid to Ukraine is important, also. Russian govt. is the aggressor bully

[@percyzhang1230]

I think EU and US should help those widows.

[@paulvarghese2977]

1 km? Do they even know how much that is? It's so small, it's almost insignificant. Trains these days are sometimes longer than 1km. So many lives were lost and dreams shattered. It's a war that could have been avoided if the Minsk agreement was adhered to. Such a shame, at the end of the day the country is destroyed and their population have either fled or suffered. Even if the war ends and they try to rebuild the country, it's going to take decades and the scars will take a long time to heal. For Western nations, the battleground of Ukraine has turned into testing grounds. And old NATO weaponry dumped as debt to be paid back. Is this all worth it? Since the start of the conflict, NATO provoked and dangled a carrot for Ukgrains's membership into NATO. This started the war and now the common man, woman and child are suffering in a conflict they never asked for. One that was provoked by the West and stupidly accepted by Zelensky.

[@ahmedadan5393]

18000 killed.....too much, wastage of human life.

[@joanweightman2275]

Amazing grace! What tender yet so powerful women. Be strong in your continued love, grief, loss and life. Pray God your men will be rewarded with the very thing the fought for, freedom and sovereignty for Ukraine. SLAVA UKRAINE

[@randomracki9453]

Hundreds of thousands are dead many more injured

[@GEMINDIGO]

What a truly awful experience for these poor women.When will the world put an end to war once and for all?It is entirely possible and I'd say inevitable.We can only take our rightful place in the cosmos when we live in peace.

[@JanetPendley-sy9yn]

Men and their wars,never concerned with the suffering.

[@pierrefraisse8610]

To the last Ukrainian, isn't it dear Olaf?.

[@louistan7560]

What a question. Why not end the war? Don't express concern when there is none.

[@filipe5722]

Ask Putin. He is the only one who can end the war immediately. While he doesn't change his mind about oppressing and genociding Ukrainians, war won't stop.

[@robinbaby1971]

UK need to be off the map. Immediately

[@KoteiHvostinin]

Maybe the German government should have done a better job of carrying out its obligations as guarantor of the Minsk agreements and pushing the Zelenski government to implement it?

[@vectorfox4782]

What a terrible headline

[@OnelSmith-cr4nh]

Tear is a language God understand just be strong ladies❤😊 we are praying for you

[@ruibebiano9015]

👏👏👏🙏

[@Gettingchemo]

all these men fighting and dying but someone still asks. well what about the women? they should feel blessed in a world calling for equality the rules don't apply and they don't have to fight and die.

[@jeffjeff5719]

18k from the beginning of the war, dw you are insulting your viewers

[@cat_city2009]

Its definitely more than 18k. The US estimate from a month ago is 20k.

[@jeffjeff5719]

They estimate the russian casualties over 100k, you ganna convince me the ukrainian casualties 18k or 20k?! Impossible

[@palar4195]

most ukies soldiers are retire a second before they get hit. so they become a civilian victims in this conflict.

[@svenvet8497]

This happening now… the humanity didn’t advance even in inch since medieval times… no matter how far the tech went

[@atiyaababenson7955]

Why is this even happening in the first place hmm the leaders of the world cause all these dead and may God have mercy for all souls lost😭

[@reaction6784]

Feel Sad????? Advvice to all your family members, friends & relatives: " Dont be a soldier and dont gp to war. Avoid and run away from the war.

[@alpha_4050]

Divorce rate in Ukraine was 67% So....