On Mother’s Day, a public event dedicated to the mothers of Ukrainian heroes was held at the War Museum’s Exhibition Center.
Moderator Yaryna Zakalska noted that Mother’s Day takes on a deeper meaning in times of war. Thousands of mothers now bring flowers to the graves of their children. Even more women live in anxious anticipation and hope.
The special guest of the event was Stalina Chubenko, the mother of People’s Hero of Ukraine Stepan Chubenko. In 2014, Stepan – a 16-year-old football player and activist – was killed by russian militants in the Donetsk region for his patriotic stance. His mother has since initiated a petition to award Stepan the title of Hero of Ukraine.
Stalina Chubenko wrote an essay about her experience of loss, included in the collection "Life Despite Everything: Stories of Women about the War of 2014 and 2022". The book features 11 candid and heartfelt testimonies from Ukrainian women about the most painful losses inflicted by russian occupiers.
Liudmyla Bilenka shared her story of over a decade spent waiting and searching for her son, Roman, a soldier from the Azov unit. She has been awaiting his return from russian captivity since August 27, 2014. Throughout these years, she has held on to the belief that her son will come home.
Liudmyla Bilousova, the psychologist and methodologist of the "Recovery During the War" program, joined the discussion. She spoke about the specific challenges of psycho-emotional rehabilitation for women who have endured war and the loss of loved ones.
The conversation led participants to a profound realization: living for two – while preserving love for a lost one and keeping their memory alive – is also a form of heroism.
Learn more about Stepan Chubenko and his artifacts in the Museum’s collection:
https://warmuseum.kyiv.ua/collection/show/rukavicka-stepana-cubenka
Sign the petition to award Stepan Chubenko the title of Hero of Ukraine:
