22 year old marine Yuriy Gulchuk was in Russian captivity from April 2022 to 14th of September 2024.

As a result of constant beating and torture with electric shock his legs went numb and he lost his ability to talk and feel.

He looked at his mum with empty expression of his eyes as if he was looking through her.

He didn't show any emotions.

Actually, he recognised his mother for the first time on his 3rd day in Ukraine.

Despite the doctors’ disappointing diagnosis, Yuriy began to talk. He has kind of a lisp but he’s started to talk!

He even tried to stand up and walk. At the moment his dream is to be able to go on a smoke break. His dream is to walk.

His first words were: 'Why so much pain? Why so many lies?  Why are people so cruel to each other?'