Nataliia Ishchenko
Veteran and partner of a veteran
35-year-old Nataliya Ishchenko is not only a veteran’s partner but also a veteran herself. Immediately after the full-scale invasion began, she took her child abroad, but returned after two months and volunteered for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. She served for six months as a communications officer: reprogramming radios, encrypting documents, and maintaining contact with soldiers. She later demobilized due to her child’s disability. Her mother, who had been caring for her grandchild, decided to move to Germany to be with Nataliya’s younger daughter.
“I’m so proud of this! It’s probably the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. I wanted my child to be proud that their mother served,” Nataliya says about her service.
Nataliya met her partner, Maksym, at veteran sports competitions in Chernihiv. “Something just clicked,” she recalls. She admits that she had tried dating civilian men, but it never worked out. Either they were intimidated by a woman with combat experience and a veteran ID, or they feared being reported to the military enlistment office, or they refused to leave their local area to avoid mobilization.
She had also been hesitant to start a relationship with a soldier, fully aware of what war entails and not wanting constant waiting. During rehabilitation, when everyone shared their problems, a psychologist told her, “Nataliya, meet veterans — that’s your circle.” Within a month, she met Maksym, who was undergoing rehabilitation after being wounded.
Their relationship is strongly bonded by sport. Veteran competitions take place monthly in different cities, and Nataliya and Maksym are always there. They have climbed Hoverla together, tried snowboarding, sailed under the wind, and won prizes.
For them, sharing joy truly doubles it.
Nataliya is honest that their relationship isn’t without challenges: both need respect, and both are emotionally intense.
“We talk a lot, learn to compromise, argue, and make up. What keeps us together are our shared plans for competitions and trips — we grow together, challenge ourselves, and pursue goals side by side. Being able to do all this together motivates us and doubles the joy of our achievements,” Nataliya explains.
Currently, Nataliya does not work. She is trained as a preschool educator but doubts she can fully realize herself in that field.
She dreams of finding her place in psychological support, coaching, and being useful to the veteran community.
For now, Maksym works as a manager in a Kyiv company. He, too, does not fully see himself in civilian life. Nataliya is considering moving abroad, closer to her mother and sister, but for now she stands at a crossroads.
“I have fulfilled my duty to Ukraine and am ready to move forward,” she says.