A 20-year-old Ukrainian model has come forward with disturbing allegations following a traumatic fall in Dubai that left her with multiple fractures and in critical condition.
Maria Kovalchuk, who had been reported missing for eight days in March, was later discovered on a street with serious injuries, including a broken spine and shattered limbs. According to Maria, her fall was not an accident — but a deliberate act of violence after she refused the sexual advances of several men at a private party.
Private Party Turns Violent After Model Resists Advances
Maria revealed that she had accepted an invitation to what was described as a private gathering in the United Arab Emirates. What started as a seemingly normal event quickly descended into chaos. She claims the mood changed when attendees began harassing her both verbally and physically.
“They started mocking me for not drinking and then began touching me inappropriately,” she said in a recent interview. “They called me their toy and said they could do anything they wanted.”
Maria alleges that after rejecting the men’s sexual advances, she was assaulted, insulted, and ultimately pushed from a height. Her injuries were so severe that early reports noted she had suffered fractures to her spine, arms, and legs.
Authorities Allegedly Downplay Incident, Family Calls for Justice
While Maria maintains that her attackers were not Emirati nationals, she expressed deep disappointment with the response from Dubai police. According to her, the initial investigation described the fall as a result of her attempting to “defend her dignity,” implying that she had jumped willingly.
Her mother, Anna, has publicly refuted the authorities’ version of events. She insists her daughter was not intoxicated and did not fall by accident. “The truth is being deliberately suppressed,” Anna said, calling out what she claims is a biased attempt to protect the perpetrators.
No Charges Filed as Questions Over Accountability Grow
Reports suggest that although a group of young men were briefly detained, they were released the very next day, and the case appeared to be closed without resolution. Maria’s mother has accused the authorities of ignoring crucial details, stating: “Now they’ve changed their story. They claim they were trying to help her and that she came to the party willingly.”
The case has drawn widespread concern on social media, with many users highlighting the issue of women’s safety, expat rights, and violence against women in high-profile tourist destinations. Critics are also raising questions about the transparency and integrity of the investigation.
Global Spotlight on Safety for Foreigners in the UAE
This case comes amid growing international scrutiny on the treatment of foreign nationals, particularly women, in parts of the Middle East. Human rights activists have renewed calls for greater protections, especially for women working in modelling, entertainment, or hospitality industries, where allegations of abuse and coercion are not uncommon.
Maria’s story has resonated worldwide, sparking dialogue around victim-blaming, sexual violence, and the need for due process. The Ukrainian embassy has yet to make an official statement regarding the matter.
As of now, Maria is still recovering from her life-threatening injuries. Her family continues to seek justice — not only to hold the perpetrators accountable but to prevent similar horrors from happening to others.