His Heart Could Not Endure: In Memory of Dmytro Shapovalov, Who Dreamed of an Apple for a Year in Captivity
One year ago, on June 9, 2025, 32-year-old Ukrainian serviceman Dmytro Shapovalov passed away.
Many people remember him from the powerful footage taken shortly after his release from Russian captivity, where he was eating an apple for the first time after spending more than a year as a prisoner of war. During captivity, he had dreamed of something as simple as an apple.
Dmytro was born in Kadiivka, in the Luhansk region of Ukraine. He was a professional soldier who genuinely loved his service and dedicated his life to defending his country.
He served in the 95th Air Assault Brigade and took part in operations in Crimea, Donetsk, the defense of Avdiivka, and the battles for Debaltseve. For his service, he was awarded the Order for Courage.
In 2021, he briefly tried civilian life, but soon realized he belonged in the military and joined military intelligence.
At the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Dmytro was captured near Nova Kakhovka. He spent one year, one month, and thirteen days in captivity.
During that time, he was starved, tortured, and subjected to electric shocks.
After being exchanged and returning home, he underwent rehabilitation. Yet despite everything he had endured, he chose to return to the front.
He often said that he could not stay away while his brothers-in-arms still needed help.
Dmytro later died while serving on the Zaporizhzhia front. According to his comrades, he went to sleep before a duty shift and never woke up.
Doctors noted that, considering the severe torture and abuse he had suffered in captivity, his heart may simply not have been able to withstand the long-term consequences.
His family remembers him as a determined patriot who defended his homeland against the occupiers who had driven him from his native land.
Dmytro Shapovalov survived Russian captivity. He survived torture. He returned to defend Ukraine once again.
May his memory be eternal.
Glory to the Hero.
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