The rage of Ukraine’s army wives

Two years ago their husbands signed up to defend their country. They still have no idea when they will come home

By Wendell Steavenson with Anastasiia Parafeniuk

In June 2023 Taras, a 35-year-old project manager at the Kyiv School of Economics, was stopped by military recruitment officers as he was walking in a park in Kyiv and handed his mobilisation papers. Within a day and a half he was ordered to report to a training centre. Inna Sovsun, his ex-wife, was shocked by the speed and arbitrariness of the summons. They shared custody of their son, Martyn, now ten years old, and she suddenly found herself a single parent.

Explore more

More from 1843 magazine

1843 magazine | How to get rich (Taylor’s version)

Think you know the story of how Taylor Swift took on the music industry? The reality is more complicated

1843 magazine | Secrets of a ransomware negotiator

When the gangs of the dark web come, most people panic. This man runs rings around them


1843 magazine | The cruise that will get you chased by the Chinese coastguard

China is bullying its rivals in the South China Sea. For some tourists, that makes it a perfect holiday destination


More from 1843 magazine

1843 magazine | How to get rich (Taylor’s version)

Think you know the story of how Taylor Swift took on the music industry? The reality is more complicated

1843 magazine | Secrets of a ransomware negotiator

When the gangs of the dark web come, most people panic. This man runs rings around them


1843 magazine | The cruise that will get you chased by the Chinese coastguard

China is bullying its rivals in the South China Sea. For some tourists, that makes it a perfect holiday destination


1843 magazine | Marwan Barghouti, the world’s most important prisoner

There’s one Palestinian who could help end the conflict. He’s in an Israeli jail

1843 magazine | Donald Trump: messiah or naughty boy?

After an assassination attempt, many Republicans see their nominee as the resurrection and the life