In the article, Jerzy Haszczyński reflects on significant events from the battle near Ilovaisk in eastern Ukraine, which took place in August 2014 during the conflict involving Ukrainian military and separatists. The narrative opens with historical context, indicating that the separatists had taken control of the town, leading to intense military confrontations that ultimately resulted in Ukrainian forces being encircled and cut off from essential supplies. This battle became a pivotal moment in the ongoing war, illustrating the dire circumstances military personnel faced.

The piece also captures a deeply personal encounter between the author and a young widow, who reminisces about the last time she heard from her husband before his death. Holding onto a battered Samsung smartphone, she describes the emotional turmoil of receiving his last text, which disclosed that Ukrainian forces were besieged in Ilovaisk, struggling to maintain communication. This moment symbolizes the human cost of the conflict and provides a stark reminder of the personal tragedies that are often overshadowed by the broader war narratives.

Haszczyński's work serves not only to document the harrowing experiences of those at the front but also to give a voice to the families left behind, highlighting the resilience and grief that continue long after the cessation of hostilities. The story emphasizes the lasting impacts of war on civilians and the necessity of remembrance for both the fallen soldiers and their loved ones, reinforcing the emotional narrative behind the statistics of warfare. Furthermore, it prompts readers to consider the human aspects of military engagements that often go unreported in more comprehensive coverage of the conflict.