State of the World from NPR cover image

State of the World from NPR

A Relationship Surviving 1,000 Days of War

Nov 22, 2024
Joanna Kakissis, NPR's correspondent in Kyiv, shares moving stories from ordinary lives amidst the chaos of war. She delves into the emotional challenges faced by couples like Mikola and Yaroslava, exploring the soldier's struggles with injury and his wife's life in Kiev. Their bond is tested through heart-wrenching separation and the harsh realities of captivity faced by Ukrainian POWs. The podcast captures the delicate balance of love and duty, and the profound emotional toll of conflict on relationships.
09:53
Creator website

Episode guests

Joanna Kakissis

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Mikola and Yaroslava Ivanova demonstrate resilience through their unwavering daily communication and emotional support during separation caused by war.
  • The couple's reunion after Mikola's release from a POW camp underscores the profound personal sacrifices entangled with national duty and loyalty.

Deep dives

The Impact of War on Relationships

The war in Ukraine has deeply affected the relationships of those involved, especially for couples like Mikola and Yaroslava Ivanova, who have endured separation due to military duties. Mikola, a soldier, maintains a daily communication ritual with his wife, sending her messages filled with affection even from the battlefield. Despite the challenges, including his injuries and captivity as a prisoner of war, the couple's bond remains strong; Mikola's optimistic nature and love for Yaroslava serve as both a source of strength and a motivation for survival. Yaroslava, on her end, demonstrated resilience through activism, lobbying for her husband's release while enduring the emotional strain of uncertainty regarding his safety during his time as a POW.

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