Full Breakdown
Ukrainian Wife Battles Blackouts to Keep Terminally Ill Husband Alive
2/17/2026, 10:23:24 PM
The Struggle for Survival Amid Blackouts
In Chernihiv, Ukraine, Olena Grygorenko faces a daunting challenge as she cares for her husband, Anatoli Kuchynsky, who suffers from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This degenerative nerve disease has left him bedridden and reliant on a life support machine. The ongoing Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have exacerbated their situation, leading to frequent blackouts that can last up to nine hours, complicating Grygorenko's efforts to keep her husband alive.
Grygorenko, 57, meticulously tracks the planned power outages, ensuring she can connect Kuchynsky's life support machine to backup batteries during brief moments of electricity. With temperatures plummeting to minus 20 degrees Celsius, the couple's struggle is intensified by the harsh winter conditions. “The batteries don’t have time to charge,” she explained, highlighting the urgency of their situation.
Lessons from the Past
Grygorenko's experience during the early days of the Russian invasion in February 2022 has informed her current preparations. When Russian troops encircled Chernihiv, power was cut, leaving Kuchynsky with only two hours of battery life for his machine. “I begged a military ambulance to take him to the nearest hospital,” she recounted, illustrating the desperation of that time. This experience has led her to stockpile essential supplies, including nutrition, disinfectants, and a 100-litre barrel of water.
Despite the overwhelming circumstances, Grygorenko remains resolute. She believes that no professional caregiver can provide the same level of love and attention she offers her husband. “Some people say: ‘send him to a specialised facility where there are professionals to care for him’. No professional will give this kind of love, this kind of care,” she stated.
A Glimpse of Hope
In their modest apartment, Grygorenko maintains a sense of normalcy. She communicates with Kuchynsky through an alphabet board, patiently waiting for his eye movements to indicate letters. Their bond remains strong, as she draws energy from his presence, managing to leave the flat occasionally for self-care. “I’m a woman, after all,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of maintaining her own well-being.
Looking ahead, Grygorenko expresses a desire to endure the winter and outlast the ongoing conflict. “We live. I don’t want to say we’re surviving. We live. I want to wait it out,” she affirmed. Her hope is to celebrate victory together, envisioning a future where friends gather at their table, sharing moments of joy. “The doctor allowed it. Says he can have a little cognac,” she added, reflecting a spirit of resilience amid adversity.
Conclusion
As the war in Ukraine continues into its fifth year, the challenges faced by Grygorenko and Kuchynsky underscore the profound impact of the conflict on individual lives. Their story is a testament to love, determination, and the human spirit's capacity to endure even in the most trying circumstances.
