Themes by tag: Lviv

Under the banner of the “City Healing” initiative, Ukrainian servicemembers undergoing treatment or rehabilitation in Lviv’s medical facilities are being offered complimentary tours of the historic city. These tours, available both individually and in groups, serve as a rejuvenating respite for those in need.

Covering a diverse array of topics, the tours showcase the city’s myriad attractions, from its iconic landmarks and bustling downtown to its serene parks. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into Lviv’s rich history spanning princely and medieval eras, its architectural marvels, artistic heritage, and cherished traditions.

Since its inception, the “City Healing” program has extended its healing touch to 552 military personnel and their families. 

• casualties
• culture
• military
• Lviv

“HAB | Lviv Habilitation Center” will open in Lviv on March 7. This is an initiative of the Alliance for Public Health in cooperation with the UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center.

“HAB | Lviv Habilitation Center” is a transitional barrier-free space that provides an opportunity to safely relive the experience of war in order to move on. Veterans and civilians who have already undergone physical rehabilitation at the UNBROKEN Center and need to adapt to new living conditions will acquire new skills here.

The area of the habilitation center is 660 square meters. It has 9 rooms and 27 beds. 300 patients are to undergo habilitation there per year.

The first patients of the center were:

• Yana Kovaliova, a librarian from Avdiivka, received an injury in the hostilities, which led to the amputation of her right leg. She underwent treatment and rehabilitation at the UNBROKEN center. She is adapting to everyday life in the Lviv Habilitation Center.
• Illia Dmytryshyn, a soldier of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, was wounded while defending Ukraine. He underwent treatment and rehabilitation at the UNBROKEN center. He is focusing on adapting to the status of a veteran and a person with a disability. At Lviv Habilitation Center, Illia is working on his psycho-emotional state and on planning for the future.

During the opening, there will be an opportunity to chat with patients and specialists, as well as join a kintsugi master class to learn the art of imperfection. Patients and guests will glue broken dishes, which is a symbol that after setbacks and trials, one can become even stronger with the right support. 

• casualties
• doctors
• Lviv

Prior to the all-out invasion, Viktoriia Bobrynok used to be a school principal in Tokmak, Zaporizhia. When her hometown fell under Russian occupation during the onset of the war, she relocated to Ukraine-controlled territory. Initially employed as a secretary at a school in Lviv, Viktoriia later shifted her focus to aiding fellow displaced individuals.

She reached out to the Alliance for Public Health, an international charitable foundation, and together they established a shelter for internally displaced persons (IDPs). Initially hosting teachers from Zaporizhia, the shelter soon welcomed IDPs from various regions. However, as the influx dwindled, Viktoriia transformed the shelter into a “Safe Camp” catering to children from frontline areas. She devised a specialized program to keep them engaged, offering instruction in essential skills across various professions, including programming, alongside organized excursions. Each camp session spans several weeks, with the upcoming one slated to commence on March 11.

In between working camp shifts, Viktoriia continues to support the IDPs by coordinating diverse activities for both children and adults, including photo sessions, workshops, and city tours, aiming to facilitate their integration into urban life and hasten their adjustment to their new circumstances.

• children
• women
• Lviv

In 2014, the ensemble of the Luhansk Regional Philharmonic confronted the initial onslaught of Russian aggression. As Luhansk, a city in eastern Ukraine where the musicians resided and operated, fell under Russian occupation, they were forced to abandon their belongings and relocate to Sievierodonetsk, situated in the government-controlled sector of the Luhansk region. Compounded by the director’s collaboration with the occupiers, they left behind not only musical instruments but also a crucial accumulation of musical notations and documents. Nevertheless, the Philharmonic persisted in its endeavors at the new locale, embarking on extensive tours across Ukraine and abroad.

Fast forward to February 2022, the specter of evacuation loomed once more as the Russian military encroached upon Sievierodonetsk. This time, the musicians sought refuge in Lviv, where they commenced a series of charitable performances in solidarity with the Armed Forces, subsequently resuming their musical engagements. Presently, the 50-member ensemble delivers 6-7 concerts per month, anticipating future tours. Yet, their ultimate aspiration remains to stage a performance in the liberated confines of Ukrainian Luhansk.

For reference: Following months of clashes, Russian forces seized Sievierodonetsk in June 2022. The city, ravaged by Russian shelling, sustained extensive damage, compelling the majority of its inhabitants to flee.

• casualties
• culture
• occupation
• Lviv

Antonina Demydenko lived with her son in Vuhledar, Donetsk region. (Her son was disabled, so Antonina took care of him).

On May 13, 2022, the enemy shell hit her apartment resulting in Antonina’s son’s death. The woman lost a leg and an arm.

Antonina is currently undergoing rehabilitation in the ergonomic therapeutic kitchen in the Superhumans Center in Lviv. She makes cookies and buns with one hand, then she treats the team with them.

Superhumans plans to publish a book of Antonina’s recipes in the near future (the initiative is implemented in cooperation with famous chef Olga Martynovska). Royalties from sales of this book will go to Antonina.

Meanwhile, the woman dreams of returning to Vuhledar to rebury her son, whose body was buried near the entrance to their building.

For reference: Vuhledar is a small mining town in Donetsk region that had about 15,000 residents before russia’s full-scale invasion. For a year and a half, the russian army continuously tried to capture the city. There is not a single building left standing in Vuhledar anymore.

• casualties
• women
• Lviv

Viacheslav Levytskyi, a 40-year-old native of the Odesa region, led a quiet life as a delivery driver before he joined the country’s defense at the outbreak of a full-blown war.

In the Donetsk region near Avdiivka, Levytskyi sustained severe injuries as bullets tore through his legs and torso. Despite his wounds, he spent seven days navigating the treacherous gray zone. But his ordeal was far from over. Captured by Russian forces and their collaborators, Levytskyi endured three days without any medical assistance in the occupied areas of Donetsk. From there, he was whisked away by Chechen captors to Grozny, where the extent of his injuries became tragically apparent. Gangrene had ravaged his legs, while his hands bore the cruel scars of frostbite, necessitating their amputation.

For three and a half months, Levytskyi languished in captivity, his whereabouts unknown to his worried mother. But against all odds, he was eventually exchanged. He is now at the Superhumans center in Lviv, Levytskyi is undergoing intensive rehabilitation. With prosthetic legs affixed, he’s learning to walk anew, while preparations are underway for prosthetic arms.

• casualties
• military
• Lviv

When Mykola Iliichuk found himself face to face with the harsh reality of a full-scale enemy invasion during his fifth year at Bukovinian State Medical University, he didn’t hesitate to answer the call to arms. Offered a chance to join the Donbas battalion, he dove headfirst into the fray, defending Ukraine’s eastern frontier. Despite being thrust into the role of a mortar operator, Mykola remained true to his roots in medicine. Armed with essential supplies, he stood ready to provide critical first aid to his fellow soldiers at a moment’s notice.

Today, Mykola serves as a combat medic within the prominent Ukrainian army unit Da Vinci Wolves Battalion, all while continuing his studies remotely. Despite the challenges of war, he remains determined to expand his medical expertise. While primarily focused on intensive care skills on the frontline, his ultimate aspiration is to perform surgery. Whenever possible, he eagerly assists in operating rooms, where he works tirelessly to save the lives of his comrades.

For reference: Mykola Iliichuk is currently stationed in Lviv and welcomes interviews with journalists, both in-person and online, with prior arrangement.

• doctors
• military
• Lviv

Ukrainian photographer Marta Syrko initiated the Sculpture series photo project. The protagonists of her photographs are Ukrainian defenders who have endured the consequences of Russia’s full-blown invasion of Ukraine. (These are soldiers who were injured, got burned, or had their limbs amputated.) The project also welcomes civilians impacted by the war to participate.

Photographer Marta Syrko recently shared Serhii’s story, highlighting it in her photos. Serhii sustained his initial injury during the ATO in 2015. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, he volunteered for service in high-risk areas. In June 2023 Serhii was involved in an accident while traveling from Kyiv to Kharkiv. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, as Serhii was found near the Myrhorod station, having been struck by a train, he had suffered grievous injuries, losing both arms and part of his foot. Serhii has no recollection of the events, having lost consciousness during the journey.

Journalists had the opportunity to speak with both photographer Marta Syrko and Serhii, along with his wife.

For reference: as February 24, 2024, marks the grim two-year anniversary of Russia’s criminal incursion into Ukraine. It stands as the apex of a decade-long war of aggression, which actually dates back to February 20, 2014, beginning with the annexation of Crimea. Russian forces invaded Ukrainian Crimea without any identifying markings and, after that, seized control of the peninsula back then. Subsequently, these events escalated into war in eastern Ukraine.

• casualties
• military
• Lviv

Spearheaded by the Yanina Sokolova Foundation, volunteers are rallying individuals to contribute blood, emphasizing its critical role in supporting the military amidst ongoing war. With donation serving as a vital lifeline for Ukrainian defenders, the foundation aims to dispel misconceptions surrounding blood donation. 

Since 2019, the Yanina Sokolova Foundation has been reshaping public perceptions of blood donation through its Red Brunch events. Since its inception, 1,993 donors have contributed, resulting in 5,979 lives saved.

• volunteers
• Lviv

Ukrzaliznytsia is set to roll out the “Train to You” for the second time on February 14, 16, and 18, aligning with Valentine’s Day and Unity Day celebrations. This year, the romantic trains will not only grace the tracks of Kyiv but will also make their way through Lviv.

Passengers aboard these special journeys will be treated to an enchanting experience in cozy compartments designed for two, serenaded by romantic melodies, all while being pulled by an authentic steam locomotive. To enhance the ambiance, passengers will have the option to indulge in a special menu crafted by renowned Ukrainian chef Yevhen Klopotenko. 

Half of the seats have been reserved free of charge for wounded soldiers undergoing rehabilitation, providing them an opportunity to share precious moments with their loved ones. 

Adding to the charm, defenders of Ukraine will receive an additional poetic surprise courtesy of writer Serhiy Zhadan. 

With a travel time of just over 2 hours, these journeys promise to be a delightful escape for passengers bound for Kyiv and Lviv.

• Kyiv
• Lviv