Yuri Hulchuk, The 23-year-old Ukrainian Marine was captured defending Mariupol on April 12, 2022. In captivity, he was brutally tortured.

Aug 11, 2026 10:03 PM

vladrichdemaclant

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When he finally returned home in September 2024, Yuri could barely speak. He struggled to eat and appeared unable to recognize his own mother. She had spent more than two years desperately searching for him.

His speech gradually returned. He began communicating again and underwent rehabilitation, rebuilding a life that Russian captivity had tried to destroy.

Now, Yuri is communicating normally; he stated that he wants to study again and focus on learning foreign languages.

Yuri Hulchuk is a reminder that captivity can break a body and scar a mind, but it cannot erase the human will to survive and continue to go forward!

From the bottom of my heart...fuck Russia.

2 weeks ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

That look in his eyes.. It haunts me.. That's a man who has seen and endured some serious shit.

1 week ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Death to orcs. May none see their homes again

2 weeks ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

The ruzzians are unworthy of being provided the dignity, mercy, or compassion that are afforded to those countries that actually fight under and respect the laws of war

2 weeks ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Damn that guy looks so traumatized. It's heartbreaking.

2 weeks ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

And this is why I C E locks up citizens for months with no trial - to scar and scare everyone.

2 weeks ago | Likes 25 Dislikes 0

And it’s working. Fuck this timeline.

2 weeks ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

2 weeks ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Putin and his cronies are not human, they are pure diabolic filth.

1 week ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

That poor kid... That mother is a sweet wonderful mother. These wars need to end.

2 weeks ago | Likes 15 Dislikes 0

I am so happy he has his mother. Hope they find the way to heal.

2 weeks ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

This hurts my heart.

2 weeks ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Scarred forever. Poor bloke.

2 weeks ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 1

War is terrible. Slava.

2 weeks ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

SLAVA!

2 weeks ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

What spectacular instincts on mom being that gentle with her body and voice, but deeply serious in her words.

And holy shit, the strength in her to hold it together for him. Most of us would be SOBBING hysterically seeing and holding a child after such horrific conditions, but that would’ve scared the shit out of him, no doubt.

2 weeks ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 0

I can't help but get angry seeing stuff like this. For the obvious reasons but mostly because I can't consider our veterans remotely worthy of what this man earned from actually defending his country. I don't think he should have to work or want for anything after that kind of service meanwhile I know veterans that have a 100% rating basically entirely for "PTSD" cause they were on the same big ass base during the fort hood shooting and still works full time as a cop making over $150/yr.

2 weeks ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Fuck Putin.

2 weeks ago | Likes 91 Dislikes 1

Mariupol... fuck. Made Fallujah look pretty easy.

2 weeks ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Hero of the people.

2 weeks ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I hope he can find some peace. Good to have good family.

2 weeks ago | Likes 137 Dislikes 1

Wars just DAMAGE....

2 weeks ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Slava Ukraini!

2 weeks ago | Likes 109 Dislikes 0

Heroyam Slava

2 weeks ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 0

This is the one for Yuri

2 weeks ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

That fucking stare man

2 weeks ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Dude looks like he's suspecting a russian trick. What the fuck kinda shit did they do to him?

2 weeks ago | Likes 34 Dislikes 0

2 weeks ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Torture and rape. Fucking animals. Their goal is the total destruction of the Ukrainian people and identity.

2 weeks ago | Likes 35 Dislikes 0

Oh man, I hadn’t thought about that. “Must be too good to be true.” Fuuuuuck.

2 weeks ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

Russians and Israelis are currently the two nationalities I will shed no tears to see die, regardless of how many.

Tel Aviv could be a crater tomorrow and I'd smirk while reading the paper.

2 weeks ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 4

Nah, the problem is, if you dont turn the whole country into glass, they will just go "See, we told you we are just defending" and bomb the shit out of other countries even more.

2 weeks ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

Love when the bigots and hate mongers and turn up and prove exactly why Israel needs to exist.
Russia (or at least those at the top of the corruption pyramid) can fuck right off, you are accurate on that.

1 week ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

Oooh, found another genocide supporter. Good bye!

1 week ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Massive PTSD

2 weeks ago | Likes 271 Dislikes 2

That boy's been hurt.

2 weeks ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Yeah, poor guy. Not disagreeing with OP that the human spirit is incredibly resilient but I don't think he's going to be ok. I hope he finds some comfort in life no matter where it takes him now.

2 weeks ago | Likes 48 Dislikes 0

That thousand yard stare is legit.

2 weeks ago | Likes 73 Dislikes 1

Hopefully not also Drone PTSD. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c23gjk7dlvlo basically many small fans/motors can trigger it. So much for drone shows as an alternative to fireworks.

2 weeks ago | Likes 20 Dislikes 0

thanks for sharing this article

2 weeks ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

This guy was captured long before drone warfare was widespread in the conflict

2 weeks ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

I think now engineers have developed silent rotor blades for drones to increase their stealth and eliminate that 10 second warning, that may make this phenomenon a snapshot in time but people will still be waking up screaming in 2086

2 weeks ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

This is what a true hero looks like.

Not the ones so casually called that in our society……..sports pros, celebs, etc

2 weeks ago | Likes 308 Dislikes 3

what would trump say about him?

2 weeks ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 3

Slava

2 weeks ago | Likes 35 Dislikes 1

Hero is something we should all hope we never have to be.

2 weeks ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 1

Nicely said

2 weeks ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

2 weeks ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Not according to the orange turd.. he doesn't like POW's.

2 weeks ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 1

Or the injured

2 weeks ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

Or people who still had to work during Covid. Like almost everyone.

2 weeks ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 1

I would argue those who worked in hospitals went above and beyond, especially with the tractor trailer morgues just outside to remind how deadly it could be

2 weeks ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 1

I would agree with that. I meant it how we were calling everyone who had to keep working heros. Which was just about everyone.

2 weeks ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I'm very careful about throwing around the word "hero" because for some reason that seems to imply for a lot of people, sacrifice without being adequately compensated or not needing help from others. Heros are the best of us and they need to be encouraged and supported any way we can. This man is a hero.

2 weeks ago | Likes 26 Dislikes 1

Personally I don't like hero worship in general but especially in the US this word seems to be thrown around and never have I actually heard of something that deserves the kind of worship it receives there. Mostly because there is some disgusting form of ''patriotism'' accompanied by it that just feels dishonest and exploitative.

How about changing the circumstances where those ''heroes'' are not needed.

(To make it clear, I am criticizing the exploitation of what people do)

2 weeks ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

This is precisely why I use the word hero sparingly. As you say, there is that underlying implication that heros are supposed to sacrifice without asking for anything in return. A perfect example is all the hospital workers being called heros during the pandemic but so many people turning a blind eye to them begging people to use masks and them struggling to find proper PPE. Too many people unwilling to help support them when they needed it most because they are heros and shouldn't need help.

2 weeks ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0