The Life Journey of Petro Kudla
Petro Kudla, a resident of Ternopil, has celebrated his 100th birthday. Born in the village of Shumlyany in the Ternopil region, he has endured immense hardship and adversity throughout his long life. During World War II, he was deported to Germany, where he was forced into labor digging bomb shelters. His wartime ordeal continued as he was later taken as a prisoner to America, then to East Germany, and finally transported to Russia.
Ordeal in Siberia
Petro Kudla was confined in a Siberian labor camp, transported in a freight car alongside 150 other people. The prisoners were fed only two small bread crusts, and the transport conditions were appalling. Petro recalls:
'They transported us where they transported cattle. 150 people to a wagon. And they fed us two crusts of bread, just little lumps, like a brick of bread.'
He also describes the hardships they faced on the journey: 'Lice appeared. They were crawling on our eyebrows, everywhere. No one could wash.' After arriving in Novosibirsk, Petro was sent to a camp in Norilsk, where he worked as a general laborer without ever being formally sentenced or undergoing a trial.
Following his release, he was forbidden from returning to western Ukraine. However, in Norilsk, he met his wife Hanna, also a native of the Ternopil region. The couple had a daughter, and in 1976, the family was finally able to return to Ternopil. Petro Kudla became a member of the Congress of Ukrainian Nationalists and an organization for political prisoners and the repressed. After his wife's death 14 years ago, Petro has continued to lead an active life.
For his 100th birthday, Petro received a payment of 5,000 hryvnias, which he decided to donate to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). He remarked:
'To stay healthy, you need to take care of yourself. I have never fought with anyone in my life. You should not do wrong to others.'
This act reflects his enduring patriotism and support for Ukraine during its current struggle. His story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people, shaped by a history of foreign domination and conflict.
The life of Petro Kudla stands as a vivid example of endurance and strength of spirit, having survived the immense difficulties of war and political repression. His active stance and willingness to help others, even at an advanced age, underscore the importance of social solidarity and patriotism in contemporary Ukrainian society. His decision to donate his funds to the military demonstrates his commitment to supporting the country in difficult times, an act that may inspire others to similar deeds.