The life of 70-year-old Tetiana Sribna from Chernihiv has tested her resilience more than once. When her eldest son, Viacheslav, was only six months old, her husband left for seasonal work and abandoned the family. Despite all the hardships, Tetiana raised her son on her own and worked at a factory for many years. After some time, she decided to remarry. This time, her second husband became a true father figure to Viacheslav, and soon the couple welcomed a daughter.
Before the war, Viacheslav worked as a car mechanic and ran his own business. In 2020, he decided to sign a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but was initially refused due to heart problems. He did not give up and eventually became a tank crewman. From the first days of the full-scale invasion, Viacheslav defended Chernihiv region from the enemy, and later carried out combat missions in Donetsk region. In March 2024, his life was cut short near Pokrovsk.
After losing her son, Tetiana turned to a psychologist for the first time. Around the same time, she began writing poetry, finding words for her pain, love, and memory. She learned about the “Veteran’s Family” project from a volunteer in Chernihiv. Inspired by the experience of her acquaintances, she decided to join as well.
To learn more about Tetiana’s journey, the memory of her son, and the strength that helps her move forward, watch our video.
“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 22A street, 02000 Kyiv, Ukraine
