Ukrainian Model Found Severely Injured in Dubai Regains Consciousness but Suffers Memory Loss as Investigation Continues
- Victor Nwoko
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
A 20-year-old Ukrainian model who went missing in Dubai earlier this year has regained consciousness after being discovered with life-threatening injuries, sparking widespread concern and calls for justice. Maria Kovalchuk was found on March 19 near a roadside with multiple broken bones, a damaged spine, missing teeth, and other severe injuries—ten days after telling friends she was attending an elite hotel party on March 9.
Her mother, Anna Kovalchuk, traveled from Norway to be at her bedside and has confirmed Maria is now awake and speaking. However, the young woman is suffering from significant memory loss and is unable to recognize her own family. She remains hospitalized in Dubai, still unable to sit upright after undergoing numerous life-saving surgeries.
Anna revealed that the names of suspects linked to Maria's case have already been handed to the local prosecutor but declined to publicly identify them. The case has drawn attention across international media and social platforms, with speculation surrounding the involvement of both foreign individuals and local elites.
A Russian blogger, Tatyana Mozhegova, alleged that the attack involved individuals from a wealthy Arab family and named several men—including Michael Smith, Adam Collins, Said Al Hamadi, Said Al Fagadi, and someone known as "Rashid"—as being in Maria’s entourage. Maria’s mother has since dismissed these claims as false and self-serving, accusing Mozhegova of exploiting the tragedy for attention.
While some reports have pointed to the involvement of a European criminal group that lures women under false pretenses, others have cast doubt on the official narrative. Local authorities in Dubai claimed Maria accessed a construction site without authorization and fell, an explanation met with widespread skepticism. Critics highlighted inconsistencies, such as broken teeth found in her handbag and chocolate discovered in her mouth at the time she was found.
Adding to the mystery, a woman who claims to have escaped the same party, identified only as Ksenia, reported hearing screams from behind a closed door before witnessing two men carry what appeared to be a rolled-up carpet. Ksenia also mentioned that the event organizer was named “Said.”
Maria’s recovery remains slow, and her family is awaiting medical clearance for her return to Europe. Public outrage has continued to grow, with many social media users drawing attention to other similar stories involving women in Dubai. One user commented, “There are so many stories like this—women trafficked or hurt after being invited to private parties,” while another posted a biting critique of the official explanation: “I hate it when I fall and my teeth end up in my wallet.”
Supporters online have emphasized that no lifestyle choice justifies the brutal violence Maria endured. “She is lucky to be alive, but her life has changed immeasurably now,” one commenter wrote, reflecting the global sentiment of sympathy and concern.
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