The 47-year-old Russian climber Natalia Nagovitsina has been stranded for two weeks on Victory Peak at an altitude of 6,999 meters, with a severe leg injury. Despite the Kyrgyz authorities’ decision to call off the rescue mission due to the extreme weather, her 27-year-old son, Mikhail, remains convinced that his mother is still alive and is demanding that the search continue.

“I ask that the search be resumed. My mother is an experienced climber, in very good physical condition, and I am certain she is alive,” he said emotionally, expressing disappointment at the complete suspension of operations by the local authorities.

Mikhail issued a public appeal to the Russian government to intervene, requesting at least one more drone flight to detect signs of life. In the last video he received on August 19, Natalia is seen waving at the drone, while her tent had been torn apart by the violent winds in the area.

The mountaineer has been trapped in the “death zone,” where temperatures drop to -30°C, and rescue operations have faced enormous challenges. A helicopter with an Italian crew was forced to withdraw, while in a previous attempt another helicopter crashed, injuring rescuers.

Despite the conditions, Italian climber Luca Sinigaglia managed to reach Natalia, providing her with a tent, sleeping bag, food, water, and a gas burner. However, he met a tragic end on his way back, before he could organize a new rescue mission.

Natalia’s story carries emotional weight, as four years ago she lost her husband, Sergei, during the ascent of another mountain, when he suffered a stroke. At that time, despite being ordered to leave him behind, she stayed by his side in the blizzard, saying she was not afraid to die with him. She survived, but could not save him.

The Kyrgyz authorities maintain that the weather makes any further attempt impossible, stressing that “no one can survive so many days at that altitude.” However, her son disagrees, pointing out that forecasts indicated a temporary improvement in conditions that was never used.

The case has sparked strong criticism over the way rescue operations have been organized during the past two weeks. Their suspension leaves the family hoping that Russian intervention could revive the efforts.

In any case, rescuers say that even if she is not found alive, her body will be recovered in spring, when conditions allow. Until then, Mikhail insists that his mother is still fighting on the summit of Victory Peak.