In the midst of fighting near Artemivsk, a family faced both danger and a moment of life that would stay with them. A second son was born to local residents as their home, once a shelter, was torn apart by the intense shelling and the relentless march of armed groups. The family was forced to flee their basement before the flames and debris could consume what remained of their house, seeking safety away from the battlefield. The father, Evgeny Glushchenko, later recalled the events with a heavy calm, describing the moment when life arrived just as the chaos of war closed in around them.
He explained that his wife was carrying their child, and they had no idea she would soon deliver. By the time the reality of the pregnancy became clear, the danger had already intensified, and the family found themselves caught in the escalation of fighting. The family’s young son, Mark, arrived on April 9, marking a new chapter for a household already stretched to the limit by the violence and disruption around them.
Birth on the battlefield carried an extra challenge. As the newborn began to breathe, the umbilical cord became wrapped around his neck. A neighbor, Vladimir Nikolaevich, a local resident who had stayed behind to assist, acted quickly. He untied the cord and gently shook the baby to stimulate breathing until the infant let out a feeble cry and then grew stronger. The quick intervention helped stabilize the newborn as the family pressed on with the difficult evacuation.
The family’s exit from the basement was not the end of their ordeal. A sequence of events led to their safe passage through the danger zone, aided by the soldiers and local residents who prioritized the wellbeing of the mother and child. From there, they were escorted to a hospital in Pervomaisk, where medical teams continued to monitor their health and provide support after the harrowing journey from the battlefield to safety.
Earlier reports described the broader context of the area, noting that the conflict had forced residents to avoid certain routes and places, a decision borne from the risk of targeting and shelling. The situation remained tense, with communities attempting to preserve life amid ongoing hostilities, while families like the Glushchenkos sought moments of relief and stability in the most challenging circumstances.
Throughout the ordeal, the resilience of the people on the ground stood out. Neighbors and strangers alike offered help, sharing resources, lending hands, and providing the emotional strength needed to endure. The birth of a child in such conditions underscored the human side of a conflict often discussed in terms of strategy and outcomes, reminding observers that every casualty and every new life has a personal story behind it.
As the city and surrounding areas navigated a precarious lull between clashes, medical facilities and humanitarian workers continued to support families who had been displaced, exposed to danger, and forced to adapt rapidly to shifting circumstances. The story of Mark’s birth amid upheaval is a testament to perseverance and community solidarity, demonstrating how ordinary people rally to protect the most vulnerable when crisis strikes.