Ukrainian woman beat cancer, but her fight to free captive husband isn't over
She was facing death alone in the Ukrainian capital, while her soldier husband was in Russian captivity in the more than three-year war.
"If I die now, who will bring him back?" Olha thought to herself. "He has no one else in Ukraine."
Against the odds, she learned she was in remission last year. But even after multiple prisoner exchanges, including one that freed over 1,000 people, her husband, a Ukrainian marine, remains a captive.
She hasn't given up. At nearly every exchange, she's there waiting, one of hundreds of Ukrainian women still trying to bring home their husbands, sons and brothers.
"He's everywhere in my life," Olha said.
"His (photo) is on my phone screen, in my wallet, on the kitchen wall, in every room."
Day and night, questions circled in her mind: "What can I do to speed this up? What did I do today to bring him home?"
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
20 hours ago
- News18
Nagalands identity must be preserved, promoted globally: CM Neiphiu Rio
Kohima, Aug 1 (PTI) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday called for renewed efforts to safeguard and globally promote Nagaland's distinct identity, protected under Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution. Addressing a special programme titled 'Nagaland's Global Footprints: Cultural Diplomacy and International Engagements' here, Rio emphasised that Nagaland must take pride in its heritage and share its cultural richness with the world. 'This Article is our foundation. It protects our customs, our land, and our traditions. No other state in India has what we do. We must understand its value and use this privilege with purpose," Rio said, referring to Article 371(A), which grants Nagaland special autonomy over its religious, social, and customary practices, as well as land and resources. The event was organised to highlight the outcomes of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's recent official visits to Russia and Japan from July 10 to 17 along with team of Naga artists and officials from Tourism and Industries department, where Nagaland was invited as one of six Indian states to participate in international cultural engagements facilitated by the Ministry of External Affairs. Rio shared that Nagaland's cultural troupe was specially invited to perform at the Bharat Utsav – Festival of India in Moscow, Russia, where, representing the rich heritage of the state, the performers took part in the concluding segment of the nine-day festival and received appreciation from Russian authorities. Certificates of appreciation issued by the Russian Embassy were formally handed over during the Kohima event. The chief minister noted that the performances helped build awareness and respect for the diverse traditions of Nagaland and the wider Northeast region. He added that engaging in such international events fosters soft diplomacy and opens doors to future cultural, academic, and economic exchanges. In Japan, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Kochi Prefecture for cooperation in key sectors such as human resource development, environmental sustainability, and healthcare. Rio announced that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has already committed to supporting the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research with 400 hospital beds and has offered training and employment opportunities for doctors and nurses from Nagaland in Japan. Rio also recalled the emotional significance of inaugurating the Kohima Peace Memorial in collaboration with the Government of Japan, describing it as a 'monument of reconciliation' that marks a new era of mutual respect and friendship rooted in the memory of World War II. Stressing on the necessity of showcasing Nagaland's identity and traditions on global platforms, the chief minister said, 'We must not only preserve our culture but also present it to the world with confidence". Rio underscored the success of the Hornbill Festival in unifying Nagas and attracting global attention, saying such platforms should be further strengthened. He added that showcasing indigenous crafts, traditions, and cultural performances can create livelihoods and preserve the identity of future generations. 'Our identity, culture, and traditions are not just to be preserved—they are to be shared with the world. Let us globalise the spirit of Nagaland," the chief minister said. Touching upon past injustices, Rio mentioned the presence of Naga human remains, such as skulls, stored in museums in the UK. He said efforts are being made to ensure the dignified return of these remains and to document the true history of the Naga people through collaborative research and museum projects. Rio urged policymakers, institutions, and youth to embrace a broader vision for Nagaland, one that is rooted in heritage but open to the world. 'We must grow bigger, become more visible, and internationalise the Naga identity. 'Made in Nagaland' and 'Naga Crafts' must become global brands," he said. The CM also emphasised the need for partnerships across sectors, including education, healthcare, and sustainable development, noting that international collaborations like those with Japan and Russia can help transform the state's future. Advisor to the CM and Chairman of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha, who had also accompanied Rio to the two countries, said the visits, facilitated through invitations from the Kochi Prefectural Government in Japan and the Indian Embassy in Russia, mark a strategic step in positioning Nagaland on the global map. Metha said the tour has had a multi-dimensional impact — enhancing institutional cooperation, promoting Brand Nagaland, fostering cultural diplomacy, and creating international opportunities for Naga youth. PTI NBS NBS RG First Published: August 01, 2025, 17:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Healthcare costs in US to shoot up following Trump tariff on Indian goods: Industry experts
New Delhi: Healthcare costs in the US will increase following the imposition of sweeping 25 per cent tariff plus an unspecified penalty on Indian goods, experts from pharmaceuticals and medical devices industry said on Thursday. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced the imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on all goods coming from India starting August 1, plus an unspecified penalty for buying Russian crude oil and military equipment. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category healthcare Project Management Finance Technology Operations Management Artificial Intelligence Data Science Management PGDM Data Science Product Management Degree Others Healthcare Public Policy Design Thinking Cybersecurity Digital Marketing others CXO Leadership MCA MBA Data Analytics Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML Healthcare Management India Starts on undefined Get Details Profits for Indian pharmaceutical firms may decline and research and development may stagnate. However, for the medical devices sector as long as the gap between duty on China and India is over 15- 20 per cent, there are positive prospects for exports to the US, according to experts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 15 Most Beautiful Women in the World Undo "India isn't just a key supplier of generics to the US. We are a part of the backbone of affordable global healthcare. These duties may interrupt the smooth trade flow, inflate US drug costs, stall treatments, and put even greater pressure on American healthcare budgets," OmniActive Health Technologies Executive Chairman and MD Sanjaya Mariwala said. On the other hand, he said, "Back home, the profits for Indian pharmaceutical firms may decline, and R&D may stagnate, slowing down innovation and stalling new drug clearances." Live Events AiMeD (Association of Indian Medical Device Industry) Forum Coordinator Rajiv Nath said, "Duties impact for Indian medical devices sector has to be seen from relative competitiveness - as long as duty gap between Chinese versus Indian is over 15- 20 per cent, we have positive prospects to export to USA and even put production lines in USA." Currently Indonesia and Vietnam have lower duties by 6 per cent. So for products made there they will possibly enjoy a price competitive advantage over India, he added. Stating that clarity will come after August 12 as then duties on Chinese goods will be clear, Nath said, "They were increased to over 50 per cent but temporarily reduced to 30 per cent. If post-August duties on Chinese medical devices revert to over 50 per cent and on Indian at 25 per cent, the export prospects versus China are in our favour..." He further said, "Suffice to say that whatever is the final duty that is finally announced on medical devices, if it's at least 15-20 per cent lower than applicable duty rates by US onto China then there is a strong opportunity for Indian medical devices to increase their exports to US market, if they are able to absorb the excessive high cost of regulatory approval of USFDA for market entry and find that these costs to export are sustainable over the years." However, he said, the government of India and manufacturers will need to work to improve India's competitiveness "so that we can offset the 6 per cent disadvantage over Indonesian and Vietnam competitors". Grant Thornton Bharat Partner and Tax Controversy Management Leader Manoj Mishra pointed out that the strong language used by President Trump and ongoing investigations into drug imports mean that the risk is not over yet. "Indian pharma companies should stay prepared for possible changes, especially if sector-specific duties are introduced later. That said, these tariffs are likely to be in place only for a short period, as both countries are expected to fast-track discussions for a Bilateral Trade Agreement. A balanced and stable trade deal will be key to protecting long-term interests of the sector," he noted. Similarly, Choice Broking Equity Research Analyst- Pharma Sector, Maitri Sheth said the US remains heavily reliant on India for its pharmaceutical needs, with about 50 per cent of generic drugs sourced from India. "Given the critical nature of healthcare and already elevated healthcare costs in the US, we view the likelihood of material near-term tariffs on pharma as low," Sheth added. While the headline risk persists, the structural dependence on Indian pharma and the cost sensitivity of the US healthcare system provide a strong case against aggressive tariff action on the sector, Sheth added. Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI) Chairman Pavan Choudary said President Trump's is "troubling and seems economically shortsighted and strategically misguided".
Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business Standard
Educational Cooperation Enhanced as Indian Minister Visits Mari State University
SMPL Yoshkar-Ola [Russia], July 31: In a significant diplomatic gesture affirming strong educational ties between India and Russia, Mr. V. Kumar, Minister of Education and Social Welfare at the Embassy of India in Moscow, paid an official visit to Mari State University, a leading institution for international students pursuing MBBS in Russia. The visit aimed to personally assess the academic environment, residential facilities, and overall student experience for the growing Indian student community at the university. Currently, over 1,500 Indian students are enrolled at Mari State University, primarily in the Medical Institute, which has emerged as a top choice for those pursuing MBBS in Russia. This year alone, 408 Indian students graduated from the university as qualified medical professionals. Accompanied by university leadership and regional dignitaries, including Rector Prof. Mikhail Shvetsov, Deputy Chairman of the Government of Mari El, Minister of Culture and National Affairs Mr. Konstantin Ivanov, and Minister of Health Mr. Vladimir Gladnev, the Indian delegation received a comprehensive tour of the university's academic buildings, simulation labs, student hostels, and medical facilities. During his visit, Mr. V. Kumar interacted directly with Indian students in an open dialogue. Students warmly welcomed the Minister and shared their positive experiences regarding education quality, faculty support, safety, and the university's efforts to make them feel at home in Russia. The Minister appreciated their feedback, addressed their concerns, and commended the university's administration for maintaining high standards and providing a nurturing environment. He further noted that Mari State University, with its modern infrastructure, personalized attention to international students, and consistent academic excellence, stands as a reliable partner for Indian families and a model for Indo-Russian educational cooperation. The Minister acknowledged that many Indian families, based on strong word-of-mouth and successful alumni, continue to send their children here, reinforcing the university's credibility and trustworthiness. The visit was also supported by Rus Education, a long-time partner of Mari State University and one of India's most trusted organizations for guiding students to pursue MBBS in Russia. Rus Education plays a vital role in ensuring smooth academic, cultural, and personal transitions for Indian students studying at Russian universities. At the conclusion of the visit, Mr. V. Kumar gave a highly positive review of the university's facilities and student support systems. He emphasized that Mari State University is not only delivering quality medical education but also fostering a welcoming, safe, and multicultural environment for international students. This visit marks another milestone in the growing relationship between India and Russia in the field of higher education and serves as a strong endorsement of Mari State University's commitment to shaping competent and globally aware medical professionals.
