**A Desperate Choice: The Heart-Wrenching Dilemma of Ukrainian Families Under Siege**

In a harrowing tale from Ukraine, Svitlana reveals the torment of being pressured to betray her country for the sake of her captive husband, Dima, an army medic held by Russian forces.

As air raid sirens echo in Kyiv, 42-year-old Svitlana recounts the unimaginable choice she faced when a Russian agent named Dmitry contacted her, pushing her to commit acts of sabotage to secure better treatment for her husband, Dima. Captured two years earlier, Dima's fate sent Svitlana into a nightmare when she received a call promising improved conditions in exchange for treasonous acts against Ukraine.

"I never considered betraying my country, not for a second," Svitlana asserts resolutely. Yet, as Dmitry laid out an array of instructions — burning military facilities, sabotaging railway systems, and taking incriminating photos as proof — the psychological toll mounted. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) had prepared families for such encounters, urging them to stall and report interactions with Russian agents.

Svitlana meticulously documented her communications, exposing the sinister tactics employed by Dmitry, who sinisterly warned her, "Your husband is being tortured, and it's your fault!" This constant threat left her heart heavy and filled with dread for Dima's well-being, creating a tumultuous battle between despair and determination.

The SBU's warnings echoed in her ears: collaboration with Russian agents complicates prisoner exchanges and can lead to charges of treason, with severe penalties. Despite these stakes, the emotional and psychological strain on families of prisoners of war (PoWs) is immense, as many are manipulated when desperate for their loved ones' safety.

Petro Yatsenko from the military's prisoner treatment division confirmed that around half of PoW families encounter these predatory tactics from Russian spies. While incidents of betrayal are relatively low, the urgency for authorities to educate families on resisting these approaches remains critical. Each act of sabotage, albeit appearing minor, threatens to fracture the solidarity within Ukrainian society and jeopardizes national security.

Despite the harrowing ordeal, Dima was released three months ago. The couple, now reuniting with their small son, Vova, reflect on the challenges endured. Dima was surprised to learn of the pressures Svitlana faced but relieved that the threats made against him were never realized. In a moment of tenderness, Svitlana articulated, "When he returned, it felt like I had snatched my love from the jaws of death."

Despite the heartache of conflict, Svitlana’s story underscores the strength of family ties and national loyalty, even amidst unfathomable pressure. As both Dima and Svitlana navigate the repercussions of this war, their resilience shines amid profound psychological scars.