The Russians raided the home of Tetiana and Oleh Plachkov in Melitopol, southeastern Ukraine, while they were asleep on the night of September 25, 2023. The city was under the control of Russian forces, and the couple were taken away forcefully by armed men in black attire, leaving no trace behind.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has reported over 61,000 individuals missing, comprising both military personnel and civilians. The fate of missing soldiers may involve a prisoner-of-war exchange, while civilians, like Tetiana and Oleh, are rarely returned.
Tetiana's daughter, Lyudmila, shared heartbreaking accounts of her mother's ordeal after being left in a coma at a hospital in Melitopol, only to pass away without regaining consciousness. Oleh remains missing, adding to the family's anguish.
Lyudmila vividly recalled her parents' love for life through treasured photos and videos, depicting a joyful couple full of vitality. Despite the dangers of living under Russian occupation, Tetiana remained optimistic about the eventual liberation of Melitopol.
Tragically, Tetiana was accused of espionage and subjected to harsh treatment, leading to her untimely death. Lyudmila's relentless quest for answers about her parents' disappearance only reveals a grim void of uncertainty.
As she grapples with the loss of her mother and the unknown fate of her father, Lyudmila navigates a complex search process, offering a poignant glimpse into the profound tragedy affecting numerous Ukrainian families in the wake of the ongoing conflict.
The narrative encapsulates the enduring hope, profound sorrow, and unyielding determination faced by Lyudmila and others seeking closure amidst the turmoil and uncertainty of war-ravaged Ukraine.