Ukrainian Model Discovered Critically Injured in Dubai After Disappearance
A Ukrainian model who went missing earlier this month after attending a party has been found in Dubai with severe injuries, abandoned by a road.
Maria Kovalchuk, who recently turned 20, had been unaccounted for over a week. She informed friends of an invitation to a hotel gathering on March 9.
Circumstances of Disappearance
Reports from Ukrainian media indicate that Ms. Kovalchuk was invited to the event by two individuals presenting themselves as representatives from the modeling industry.
She communicated to her mother, Anna, her intention to spend the night with these individuals but subsequently vanished.
Ms. Kovalchuk had a scheduled flight to Thailand departing from Dubai on March 11, but she did not appear at the airport.
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Following her disappearance, Anna and concerned friends contacted local law enforcement, prompting a search and the initiation of an inquiry.
Discovery and Condition
On March 19, ten days after she was first reported missing, Ms. Kovalchuk was located at a roadside in Dubai. She was found battered and bleeding, with suspected fractures to her limbs and spine, according to Russian news sources.
Medical Treatment and Investigation
Ms. Kovalchuk was immediately transported to a hospital. Her mother reported that she underwent multiple surgeries, including four procedures, to stabilize her condition.
She remains in critical condition and is currently unable to speak, hindering immediate understanding of the events leading to her injuries.
Family and friends are hoping for her recovery so she can provide details about her experience.
Family and Friends React
Speaking to Ukrainian press outlets, Anna Kovalchuk stated, “It is believed that she went to a party. However, the promoter who organized these gatherings did not see her.”
She added, “Masha was found in a grave state at the hospital. She had no identification, no mobile phone, nothing. She has undergone three operations and is unable to talk.”
Angelina Doroshenkova, a friend and Russian model, expressed gratitude towards those involved in the search, stating, “We are all hoping for the best and are very thankful to everyone who participated in the search and helped with information.”
Ms. Doroshenkova had been in Dubai with Ms. Kovalchuk and was reportedly invited to the same party on March 9 but had returned to Russia prior to the incident.
Background and Activism
Originally from Lviv in Western Ukraine, Maria Kovalchuk is also known as an anti-war activist. She has participated in events supporting Boris Kagarlitsky, a Russian sociologist who was imprisoned.
Mr. Kagarlitsky received a five-year prison sentence on charges of “justifying terrorism” after commenting on a Ukrainian operation targeting the Crimean Bridge.