Ukrainian Teen Caring For Four Siblings Prays He Won't Let Down His Slain Mother

Vyacheslav Yalov's mother died in his arms after she was hit by Russian shelling as they walked home together in the village of Verkhnotoretske in Ukraine's Donetsk region in 2022. Yalov, who has just turned 19, is now the guardian of his four siblings.
Originally published at - www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-teen-...
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[@karensheehan2878]

This young man is a credit to his mum. There is no way he can let her down. He has already proven himself. I pray he and his siblings have a wonderful life.

[@Kauppi2]

He will soon be send to the frontlines as cannonfodder in Artemovsk... Such is life as young man in Zelensky Ukraine

[@magpiegirl3783]

Beautifully said.

[@milagunther7073]

@@northscrow9316 Asia ? You mean Syria ?

[@seratonin7004]

What an incredible young man. I wish he and many other Ukrainians weren't put in this situation to begin with.

[@amjadjohn8539]

God bless you all Ukrainan.people.n save from russian.attacks.

[@Kauppi2]

Plenty of Donbass residents who are orphaned because Ukraine keeps shelling and targeting civilian areas

[@ComradPravda]

А что за ситуация у него? Он получил только выгоду от исторического процесса в своей стране

[@ComradPravda]

@言行一致 к чему эти вопросы с чего Вы решили, что я на них буду отвечать? Ответов в сети предостаточно. Изучайте матчасть

[@ComradPravda]

@言行一致 понимаешь разницу между относиЛИСЬ, относиМСЯ и БУДЕМ относиТСЯ?

[@paddington1670]

This teenager will be a great father one day, and he's a hero.

[@Kauppi2]

Wishful thinking.... Zelensky will send him to be cannonfodder in Artemovsk

[@doricetimko5403]

He’s already being a great father imho

[@torichill7294]

Yes 💯

[@WhoWho569]

He is already a father. He is literally fathering and mothering his siblings.

[@gloriarangott8803]

He is already a great father-figure for his very young siblings♡

[@michelmayhem]

What a hero! My heart goes out to him and I wish him and his brothers and sisters strenght and hapiness. I hope the studying works out for him. Slava Ukraini!

[@Yuhon100]

This is a tragedy, I heard stories like this, and it is a heartbreaking. I hope Putin will see this and see that what kind of monster he really is, and I hope he pays an ultimate price, and charged him for war crimes and genocide in the Hague.

[@lindabaker2905]

The studying will work out for him❗️

[@priscillazietsman1300]

I am sitting, in a far away country, feeling sorry for myself because I lost my job. Then I watch this video🥺🥺. This child's life changed overnight. Instead of being a carefree student, he had to grow up in the blink of an eye. I wish I could hug him and tell him his Mama is proud of him, that I could take some of the adult load off his shoulders. And I pray that there are many adults that guide and support him. And I just know that one day he is going to be a succesful man, albeit with scars in his heart. May he be blessed for years to come💕💕💛💙

[@edelweiss2971]

As long there is life, there is hope. You will find a new job, sooner or later. But these sibling will never find their beloved Mother again. I pray for him and his siblings, and for You. God loves you all.

[@bill1589]

Prayers for Ukraine, his family & you 🙏

[@priscillazietsman1300]

@@edelweiss2971 that is exactly why I felt so guilty. Feeling sorry for myself while this family has lost so much, lost what cannot be replaced. The course of their young lives forever changed.💔💔

[@priscillazietsman1300]

@@bill1589 Thank you Bill🥰 I so pray that this war can come to an end, it has already caused too much sadness😞

[@anitakiefer9430]

Amen,from Ohio,USA

[@johnadams8371]

Protect this man at all cost

[@gloriarangott8803]

There are many others like him in Ukraine...They are good brave people♡♡♡

[@FirstLast-zk5ow]

What's sad is that too many wonderful souls .. like him. Are being forced into the UAF and sent to Donbass :( I pray that that doesn't happen to this guy. He is a gem and should be exempt from having to join the UAF.

[@charleshoang566]

So tell Biden give Ukrainian tanks, F16 jet fighter, ATACMS, Patriots.

[@TheUncommonShaman]

💯

[@TheUncommonShaman]

@@gloriarangott8803 protect them All!!!

[@batarasiagian9635]

In my country we have many, many senior figures in government and business with less compassion, intelligence, empathy, and fortitude than this remarkable young man. It is deeply impressive that he is only 19. I hope he completes his studies despite the difficulties he outlined and lives a long and happy life.

[@bartvandervossen3077]

@@Kauppi2 just 1 question for you! How much do you get payed to put this shit in the comments?

[@nc01sadh]

@ Z4 Russianvictory. That is because of your president Putin, the new Hitler in Europe. You know why I say that? Because Hitler used 'swatika symbol' to rally Germans to kill millions of Jews and your president is using 'z' symbol to kill thousands of ukranians. Which he calls them nazi's because they want to associate themselves with the west. And by the way you are one of those Nazi Russians who believes in your president's propaganda.

[@claytonmerle976]

@@Kauppi2 get out of here Russian bot! Russian bot. If anyone is considered cannon fodder its the Russians haha.

[@josephp.lapinski1099]

Politicians are there for themselves, not others.

[@nicholasbrown306]

He is only 16

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

This, gentlemen, is a REAL man. There is no question his mother would be proud of him. Every mother who sees this will be proud of him. I pray he always has what he needs to continue to take good care of his brothers and sisters. You have incredible strength young man.❤️😔🐝

[@Kauppi2]

He propably has already been sent to the frontlines by Zelensky🤣

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@Kauppi2 go away troll. You’re not wanted here.

[@ivancho5854]

This was extremely moving. This man has a great weight on his young shoulders. He will do a great job and do his fallen mother proud. He has an excellent attitude and this gives his siblings hope and someone to look up to. Many thanks to all those who help him, especially in the little day to day things which make a huge difference. I wish them all well and all the other families which we don't hear about. Slava Ukraine. 🇺🇦🇬🇧

[@ZhovtoBlakytniy]

I have been thinking about this family since I heard the terrible news last year. What a wonderful big brother ❤️

[@mommyjo1325]

I can say for a fact that his Mom is beyond proud of him.

[@lunkis3233]

This young man is an inspiration. I'm happy he has people around him he can go to and get support from. It's heartbreaking that he lost his mom. She would be so proud of him. As a mom I would be if that was my son. Thank you RadioFreeEurope for the update.

[@U.H8]

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥🙏🏻❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@gmailvfone]

I wish him and his siblings all the best for a bright, happy and healthy future in a free Ukraine! 👌👍🙏💜🇭🇲

[@luke144]

Too sad. I just lost my mother at 45 years old and it was the most painful thing I've ever been through! I can imagine what this young man is going through! Dearest angels please walk with him!

[@jakobc.2558]

Thank you Radio Liberty for the important journalistic work. I hope this broken family can soon return to a liberated and rebuildt and thriving democratic Ukraine.

[@bite-marx]

brave kid. i hope he and his siblings live forever in a good, kind world.

[@donnamills2128]

What a fantastic young man he is turning out to be. I hope he knows how proud his mum would be of him. It's not easy bringing up a family, but I'm sure he will do very well.

[@Kauppi2]

Soon Zelensky will sent him to cannonfodder in Artemovsk

[@stevemorin8206]

Such a great kid. To hear words, like " I ask other's that have more experience". Wise beyond his years. To let his siblings, do what they are happy do and not try to mold...

[@Kauppi2]

He is propably being sent to Artemovsk frobtlines by now🤣

[@Shadeecarm]

This is heartbreaking. I tried to recreate my mom’s Christmas meal, and of course, I failed. It was devastating and that’s when I realized she was never coming back. I was 36 years old and not in a war zone - I can’t imagine going through this at such a young age. I’ll pray for this courageous and resilient young man. 🇺🇦♥️🇺🇸

[@gloriarangott8803]

I was 45, and one day I wanted to make a dish my mom was fabulous at, and I said to myself that I'd call her and ask for the recipe....then it finally hit me....I could never call or ask her anything again.... This incredible young man is a living saint♡ I hope he does not neglect his own dreams totally.

[@lidiapolomskatomes5888]

GOD bless Ukraina ❤

[@kajsahakansson9092]

This is why Ukraine will remain strong and free, the people of Ukraine are heroes. Slava Ukraini! Heroyam Slava!

[@veronikajordan4918]

Ich bin stolz auf dich junger Mann. Du hast von jetzt auf gleich durch diesen SINNLOSEN KRIEG die Mutter verloren und hast Verantwortung übernommen, große Last liegt auf deinen Schultern. Ich bete für dich und deine kleine Familie um eine gute Zukunft 🙏 ♥️ 🤗 du schaffst das!

[@manuelcaldicot852]

Los ucranianos no sólo destacan por valientes , también son super inteligentes con mucho talento y muy buenas personas 🇺🇦🇺🇦VICTORIA

[@cskvision]

His mom would be so proud of him and her kids. Stay strong for them!

[@samcrick2349]

One thing if for sure. He has not let his mother down . What a inspirational brother they have. Wish them all the best .

[@edelweiss2971]

I teenage young mans story makes me literally cry so hard and feel so hopeless. He and his siblings needs so much love, kindness and protection now. Please God have mercy on them all. Slava Ukraini.

[@hoanglannguyen5871]

I feel for him being single parent to 4 kids when he's barely out of teenage yrs himself. He needs people to help him look after the kids after school like a babysitter - difficult in war time

[@whitelutik]

​@Kauppi1 what went wrong with your life that you're trolling orphans?

[@frederickpile3599]

@@Kauppi2 how much frustrations you've been through to live in such a fantasy world...or you are just a heartless compulsive LIAR.

[@torichill7294]

@@whitelutik oh my gosh wht a question to ask don't you knw their mother died last year and he's taking care of his siblings he being a teenager himself he's taking the responsibility as being the eldest in their family

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

Very moving story and thank you for presenting it to us from all over the world. I shed tears with this young man. He is brave and has a lot on his shoulders. I am in awe of his honesty and strength. A huge thank you to the people he depends on for advice. It takes a village to raise a child. This young man is outstanding. Glory to Ukraine from Eastern Canada.💝🇨🇦💙💪🇺🇦

[@Kauppi2]

Now he is propably being sent to the frontlines in Bakhmut by Zelensky🤣

[@Soraab25]

We are proud of you brother I have no words to explain how I am feeling..There is a lot of brothers and sisters in UKRAINIANS who lost our parents, siblings etc. I wish to God please end this stupid war as soon as because we don't want more people to dead. SLAVA UKRAINIAN 💙💛💙💛 GLORY TO HEROES 💛💙💛💙💛

[@letshavepie]

What a beautiful young man, No doubt that his mother passed along the most essential elements of her soul while he held her in those last few moments. The younger children will be fine without the holiday recipes but that courage in the face of difficulties, that dedication, support, and fierce love can only be supplied by someone who was generously loved. He is a memorial to her every day,

[@foridor]

I am weeping as I watch this. Such a brave young man May God provide for them and protect them.

[@endres5628]

I saw the first video about the family 9 months ago (time flies so fast). It was so heartbreaking. Now that 18 year old boy turned into a decent young man. So happy to see this.

[@ibeetellingya5683]

My aching heart...He's now their hero!

[@sunalouw348]

What a load and responsibility on this boy's shoulders where he should be able to enjoy his studies and youth. Poor lost child, my heart breaks for him. I hope he gets all the support and love he needs. God bless you my boy. 🕊🙏🏼💛💛💛

[@bluespruce679]

I remember learning about Yalov last year, and I cried over him, and prayed for him. Thank you so much, RFE, for this update. May the Lord Jesus/Yeshua the Christ be with all of you. Shalom! 💜🕊💜✡️✝️💜🕊💜

[@cahlen]

I have no doubt his mother is proud of them. What a strong brave kid. His brothers and sisters don't know how lucky they are, and if he keeps up what he's been doing, they won't ever have to know. He's doing a great job!

[@susansmith9263]

What a tough story.😔 A mother's love is unconditional and protective. He wanted to stay close to his mother's memory and his roots, by staying in Ukraine. Hoping for the best for this family. ⚘💙💛⚘ 🇺🇲 🇺🇦

[@akasa000]

This caring young man is growing up to be a wise man and a rock for his siblings. I wish for him and his family to have a successful, bright, and healthy future. With love and prayers from USA.

[@magpiegirl3783]

There are no words … what an incredible young man this lady raised. Yavlov - you are doing an outstanding job and honouring your mother’s love. People will support you and eventually good things will happen for you. Mum is with you all the way.

[@arilindgren8370]

What a wonderful guy ! Wishing him and his family all the best ❤ 🙏

[@andyrichmond1858]

You don’t get a finer young man than this.

[@stryngh]

So much responsibility to bear at his age. I hope all of their wishes and dreams for their future lives come true. Slava i peremoha Ukrayini!!! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@GFY_66]

Thank you for the update on these kids! He's doing a wonderful job. I don't know him but I am proud of him! Outstanding person!

[@Vivian-oy4ty]

What a nice, kind, young man. Yes, your mother will be proud of you ♥️ I wish you all the best, stay strong!

[@Wyonative08]

His character obviously reflects that of his mother. Strong, stoic, resolute young man. His siblings will love him dearly for what he is doing for them. Through the sorrow, hardships and all.

[@stephanmariahitzel6102]

We see the building of a saint. May He bless the man's way

[@bill1589]

@@Kauppi2 be detestable elsewhere

[@Cairol58]

@@Kauppi2 I would well believe this if this was happening in Vladolf Putler’s Russia to a Russian youngster! Nice try Russian troll 😂

[@salyluz6535]

@​Kauppi1: you type Complete Misinformation. Parents of three or more children are given exceptions and shorter terms of service, even when there are 2 parents!! Those who are parents of four children or more are completely excused from military service by the free, democratic country of Ukraine! Because this young man is the only parent for his siblings, he is completely excused from all military service. Thankfully he does not live in a Colonizing dictatorship like ruSSia, an unreasonable country of people who have absolutely no value for human rights or human lives! God will bless and guide this brave young man! I thank God he lives in a free country! Слава Україна! Слава Богу! Перемога Україні! 🌻💙🙏🏽💙🌻💪🏽

[@Cairol58]

​@@salyluz6535 Thank you for making this clear. This is as it is here in Europe for decades, first introduced after WWII. Слава Україна! 🌻💙

[@traceyhellsten649]

God bless this young man and his family 🙏🙏🙏

[@gloriarangott8803]

AMEN 🙏

[@aj49ers20]

Have not and will never forget about this young man and his family. Happy to hear he has support and love around him that he and his siblings need.

[@Kauppi2]

And soon he'll be sent to frontlines of Artemovsk by Zelensky🤣

[@bartvandervossen3077]

@@Kauppi2 urheilukenttä does this tell you something? Orc

[@sri33333]

​@@Kauppi2

[@Kauppi2]

@@sri33333 juu juu...kaikki jotka sanovat faktoja on trolleja.... Lellitty prinsessa joka ei joudu koskaan elämässä kohtaamaan sotien kauhuja voi pitää suunsa kiinni

[@Kauppi2]

@@bartvandervossen3077 rather be a "orc" than neo-n*zi like Ukrainians

[@Caprabone]

I hope everyone in this situation gets the support they need. ❤️

[@lornamorgan3575]

I remember the first video. I'm so glad they got to stay together and have help. The conscientious teenager has matured into fine young man. More mature than some grow up parents. Let his siblings choose their own path, don't smother their light. His mother raised them in love and her love continues with them as they remember her.

[@m1ke88]

He's an absolute credit to his mother. She can still see you kiddo, you keep going

[@pandoraalberts5267]

This young man is already a super-achiever. I hope the war ends soon and he has a long and fulfilled life for many years beyond this hardship and struggle. ❤️🙏🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@Rod732]

Thanks for the update 🙏

[@bombarded15]

So glad to see a follow up and they've survived another year of this nightmare. Amazing strength and love

[@KristinawithuhK]

I’ve been thinking about them and wondering how they are doing. It’s so heartbreaking. He looks so grown up from a year ago. He’s too young to carry so much personal pain along with the weight of caring for his siblings. How does he not have all the help he needs so he can study? Thank you, for doing a follow up on this precious family. I’m sure his mom would be proud of him. 💙💛

[@Kauppi2]

Study? Propably has been sent to frontlines(meatgrinder) in Artemovsk by Zelensky by now

[@karensantell4139]

Amazing noble young man. God bless Yalov's future.

[@Kauppi2]

And soon he'll be sent to frontlines of Artemovsk by Zelensky🤣

[@sri33333]

​@@Kauppi2

[@Kauppi2]

@@sri33333 typerä ä mmä

[@sri33333]

@@Kauppi2 typerä m unni

[@artemiogomez606]

Wow I wish this young man and his siblings the best in life I'm sure his mother is very proud of the man he had to become over night.

[@charlesbuhr9567]

This is an amazing young man keeping his family together his mother would be so proud. God Bless him & his siblings. So many famlies torn apart by Putins senseless evil war. 💙💛Pamela

[@II-cr6px]

Amo el pueblo ucraniano 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@bluespruce679]

Yalov is under so much stress, and grief....and yet, he has risen to the daunting challenge of loving, supporting and raising his siblings. I'm in awe at this remarkably strong young man. I will hold him up to the Lord in prayer, and ask God to keep me from forgetting to pray for this amazing hero. I admire Yalov and I know he will prosper! I'm sorry he must live without his beloved mother....that is so hard, so very hard. Yalov will remain in my heart and in my prayers. Much love to you, Yalov, and Shalom. 💜🕊💜 I'm in White Mountains of Arizona, USA.

[@paddydalton2373]

Wow! Such a brave young guy 👏 This is what strength is all about From my Heart Best Wishes to him and his siblings his mom would be so proud 🙏

[@DaleyDale]

Thank u so much for giving an update about him and his siblings.... i remember his story and there are some days when i just wonder how are they doing now. Correct me if i'm wrong but wasn't he in a car with his mom when they were attacked? his mom was wounded but still alive but he had to leave her and call for help but when he came back with help she's already gone. 😢 Do you also have an update to that boy (dye blonde hair) who survived an attack in the early days of the war? their car was shot while evacuating and he was the lone survivor but he got badly wounded. his dad, brother and relatives all died in their tiny blue van. he was pulled out by the soldier. The last update i remember was he was transferred to Poland with his mom since the constant attack at the hospital. don't know if he were able to recover and walk again. i think the name was vlad?

[@andrabook8758]

You will be able to do everything, don't worry, dude. You guys are doing awesome! 💯

[@finola1087]

This is heartbreaking.

[@charlesrichardson8635]

The power of family and love.

[@wesc6755]

Those kids could not be any cuter.

[@mariamcnamara1106]

God bless this angel and his family.

[@deanfirnatine7814]

One hell of a strong young man.

[@gerrypeck6394]

I stand in awe of your love and dedication to your family, you are a true hero of Ukraine, may God bless you all. Slava Ukraini.

[@c3h4organic97]

What a strong person!

[@minimaxmiaandme.4971]

His mother must be looking down with such pride and love. Amazing young man. I wish him and his siblings the best life. 🇨🇦💝

[@chillydawgg4354]

I'm sure his mom is proud of all of them

[@bron1292]

Your Mother would be super proud of you young man! You are so wonderfully loving and responsible. And very handsome. Your siblings are so fortunate. God bless and keep you. Victory will be yours. 💙💛

[@natalieturko4808]

What beautiful and brave Ukrainian children. So heartbreaking, what they have had to endure at the hands of pure evil.

[@s1nb4d59]

One of so many sad stories and the pain this despicable evil man called putin has to answer for all of this uncalled for misery,im glad to see he has a good close network of family and friends who support him,he is a good man like many ukrainians who fight to defend their country against this tyranny with the help and support of the civilized world.

[@sorinbalanescu6819]

Stay strong, beautiful brother of your lovely sisters! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@amandadonaghey7540]

I remember hearing from this marvellous young man last year. Very pleased to see that he and his siblings are doing well! Bravo!!

[@dalriadajohannsen]

I wish I could hug him and help him ♥️

[@Glostahdude]

I feel for this young man….. hits very close to home. Is there a way to directly fund this young man and his siblings?

[@user-id2ip6ps3s]

Children have Paypal

[@dragotarrasch]

The solution comes with determination. And this kid has that, his mom would be proud.

[@danz_w]

What a giga Chad. I hope they all be safe and sound now and forever. G*d bless him.

[@jack1428]

Hera herself in her divine grace, must be watching over you, as the goddess of mothers she will help your perfect family for your Mother. Your destiny is good even though it's hard right now♥️.

[@candykane4271]

A statue …okay.

[@fritzraake22]

Never forget!

[@gailhasler8435]

Organizing, protecting, loving, and caring for his siblings is nothing short of extraordinary. I hope he gets moral and physical support from friends, neighbors and relatives so he won't let it all become too much for him. He seems like a great candidate for running in the future for political office. 😍😍😍😍😍

[@dimphinapereira1502]

Protect this lovely family.

[@amandawoods8323]

Get help from trusted elders who will be patient with you and your siblings.

[@martinknese79]

Respekt und Anerkennung!

[@skerhnekia5762]

Good job young man.God bless you and your family

[@nian60]

Thanks for the update. I remember these kids from a few months ago. I hope they have support from adults around them. 💛💙

[@KosmakeK]

Hard times makes hard people. It is a brave young men, god bless him.

[@sharonklauser1817]

💓you. Slava Ukraine. May God be with you. You're an Angel and an incredible young man!

[@janinecrudeli2969]

You are a awesome young man and your mum would be so proud of you and your siblings

[@merlegouveris3166]

What an incredibly brave young man. He has a lovely face. One can see he is from a good home. May God protect them.

[@weelass3188]

What an outstanding young man. He is doing the best he can even though he is obviously traumatized and grieving the loss of his mother. I am sure his siblings give him a purpose in life. He knows he is greatly needed by them. May God bless him and his siblings.

[@megk.4599]

Outstanding young man & another fine example of the people of Ukraine💪 ❤️ 🥰 🙏.

[@kiranreddy7869]

This young man is such an inspiration . God bless their family ❤❤❤

[@Aisatsana1971]

This is a good dude. Don’t find many of them nowadays.

[@Rod732]

Her mother was killed by Russia beside him

[@PavelMarkovic88]

Not true. In fact good people are in the major of the population. But if you had some bad experience with people you will remember it better than good experiencies. Our mind will remmember this to avoid this types of situations in the future. Its psychological proven fact. And also people use generalization very often (me also ; ])

[@Aisatsana1971]

@@PavelMarkovic88 i study psychology, and am an active counsellor so i am aware of how focus changes our perception of reality. However, there are few people who are willing to self sacrifice to this extent. Human beings, generally speaking, are selfish(selfishness is not inherently a vice). This is an act of compassion, responsibility and unconditional kindness. Of course, if we are forced into such circumstance we may find that previously selfish people may switch in their role for the wellbeing of the younger children. However, we don’t actually have much data to suggest that this is often the case with men, so this video can still be said to be a demonstration of a rare trait of virtue.

[@joeblowe4300]

@@Aisatsana1971 That's a terrible outlook to have coming from a "counselor"...

[@Aisatsana1971]

@@joeblowe4300 why do you think that’s a terrible outlook?

[@flynnster]

Heart goes out to that young man and his siblings, pray for them and the Ukrainian people.

[@irenedemarco1354]

The horrors of war.... these kids are too young to be without their mum... This young man is already a credit to his mother.. .he will keep his family ❤️ together.... 💞✌️🙏

[@gorgana5]

This young man has taken the many responsibilities of his mother with a full load from the start not like us mothers a baby at a time. What an incredible young man, how I wish I could bring his mother back to him, if only I could. Have courage now, love your siblings and take one day at a time. Sending love to you xox