Thirty-five-year-old Oleksandr Hudilin is from Mariupol. Before the full-scale invasion he worked as a journalist for a local news website. Six months before 24 February 2022, he signed a contract with the Territorial Defence Forces.
From the first day of the full-scale war, Oleksandr defended Ukraine. He was later taken captive by Russian forces and spent more than two and a half years in captivity. During this time, he was transferred between different locations across the occupying country.
At the end of 2024, Oleksandr returned to Ukraine as part of a prisoner exchange. He underwent rehabilitation in Vinnytsia region, where he met Viktoriia. At the time, she worked for the migration service and helped Oleksandr and his friend with their documents. What began as a routine work meeting turned into a life-changing encounter.
Later, Oleksandr found Viktoriia on social media. They started talking, and their connection gradually grew into something more. The couple recently got married.
Today, Oleksandr works for an international humanitarian organisation and supports military personnel in their recovery as a psychologist. After everything he has been through, he knows how important it is to have someone by your side who offers support and helps you move forward.
Now Viktoriia and Oleksandr are walking this path together. Watch our video to learn more about their story.
"Veteran’s Family" is a project that brings veteran families together through habilitation camps for all family members. It creates a safe space for psychological support, shared living experiences, and restoring inner strength.
The initiative is implemented with the support of Caritas Germany and Caritas-Spes Ukraine.
office@caritas-spes.org
0800 300 344 - Hotline
Head office:
Borychiv Tik 22-A street, 04070 Kyiv, Ukraine
