Mariupol defender Mariana Mamonova starts foundation to help Ukrainian women after Russian captivity

Mariana Mamonova, a Mariupol defender who was imprisoned by the Russians while pregnant and released on 22 September 2022, has established her own humanitarian foundation.

Mariana said on her Instagram page that the fund will benefit women who have lived through Russian captivity.

"I discovered my pregnancy in Mariupol and was captured by the Russians. My story ends happily, because I returned home before giving birth.

Now, I have opened my foundation, which will be geared at helping women who survived Russian captivity. I will continue my babybox business for the wives of soldiers," the woman wrote.

Even before the foundation was established, Mariana distributed baby care packages to children whose mothers or fathers served in the military.

Women who are in the ninth month of pregnancy or have babies under two months old can apply for a babybox. Mariana packed the care packages with everything a baby would need for the first several months of life, including clothes, food, and hygiene products.

Mariana Mamonova stated that assisting women has become not only her livelihood, but also her mission.

"For me, these are critical issues because I understand how difficult it is for women who have returned from captivity to adapt and live in society. How tough it is for pregnant women to be fearful and anxious about their husband and child.

Faith, hope, and love sustained me during those terrible times, and I want to share this strength and support with others. Let my story be a reflection of the truth that even in the darkest moments, there can be light and hope," Mariana asserts.

Mariana Mamonova is a military medic who has been in the military since 2017. She was in Mariupol from the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, commanding the medical department of the 501st Separate Marine Infantry Battalion

When she discovered her pregnancy, she was able to inform her husband. And then on 4 April, she was taken prisoner at the Ilyich Iron & Steel Works. The Russians kept Mariana in Olenivka before transporting her to a hospital in Donetsk.

In September, Mariana was exchanged for pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk, along with 214 other Mariupol defenders. Mariana came home on 22 September, and on the night of 25 September, she gave birth to a girl.

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