Themes by tag: military

Anna’s husband, Illia, was half Ukrainian and half Georgian. His mother’s family was forced to flee the war in Abkhazia, so his childhood was spent in Ukraine.

In 2014, Illia began his compulsory military service, and when russia occupied Crimea and attacked Ukraine in the east, he voluntarily went to fight in the Donetsk oblast. Illia was demobilized in 2015. He met Anna, they got married, and later had a daughter, Polina.

On February 24, 2022, the family woke up to explosions. From the first days of the full-scale invasion, Illia defended the Kyiv oblast, participated in the liberation of Chernihiv and Sumy oblasts. His comrades tell how he shot down enemy helicopters, assisted reconnaissance groups, defended positions even in the most dangerous conditions. 

During one of those missions he was seriously wounded and could not be evacuated from the battlefield. Illia’s family is convinced that his merits should be recognized at the highest level. His wife is making every effort to secure for him the title of Hero of Ukraine, as his deeds are examples of courage and self-sacrifice for the sake of the country.

Background: Currently, the family is supported by the charitable foundation “Children of Heroes”. It helps children who have lost one or both parents as a result of the full-scale invasion of the russian federation. The foundation provides financial assistance, psychological and legal support, and promotes education and development for children until they reach adulthood.

• casualties
• military
• Kyiv

Oleh Leliakin took up arms to defend Ukraine in 2014. He joined the volunteer battalion “Aidar”. At the front, he saw how important it is to be able to provide medical assistance in combat conditions.

After returning to Kyiv, Oleh continued to study tactical medicine. Eventually, he became an instructor at a training center, and over time, he became a lecturer in tactical medicine at the National Academy of Internal Affairs.

On February 25, 2022, Oleh returned to military service. He participated in the liberation of the Kyiv oblast and fought in the Mykolaiv, Kherson and Donetsk sectors. Initially, he worked as a platoon medic and later became the senior medic of a company. In Bakhmut, Donetsk oblast, Oleh was injured and gradually began to lose his hearing. Eventually, the veteran was discharged from service due to health reasons.

Oleh mastered the skill of lip-reading, learned to manage his own voice, and soon became a tactical medicine instructor at SICH, the largest Ukrainian tourniquet manufacturing company.

You can interview Oleh Leliakin both online and offline in Kyiv, by prior arrangement.

• military
• Kyiv

Oleksandr Androshchuk and Oleksii Tiunin, members of Ukraine’s national team for the 2025 Invictus Games, are launching wheelchair rugby training sessions for military personnel and army veterans in Kyiv.

This marks the first time such training has been offered in Ukraine, presenting a unique opportunity for soldiers to engage in an adaptive sport that promotes both physical and emotional recovery. Participants can experience the thrill of team play, feel the support of their fellow soldiers, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a supportive environment.

• casualties
• military

Andrii Bakun, a native of Kherson, had a life that seemed far removed from the enemy invasion that would soon engulf his country. Before russia’s all-out aggression, he made his living on the seas, earning a degree as a third-rate mechanic. On February 23, 2022, while returning to his hometown, Andrii learned of the outbreak of the full-blown war while aboard a train. Although he could not immediately enlist due to a disability, he joined the municipal guard. However, after just one patrol, the team disbanded.

By March 1, Andrii crossed paths with a territorial defense unit. He assisted them in finding shelter, leaving their weapons behind, and entering the city disguised as civilians. One of the soldiers, Oleh Leshchyna, refused to relinquish his arms, prompting Andrii to make the brave decision to hide him in his family’s home. For four months, Oleh remained hidden until Andrii’s sister managed to safely retrieve him.

After Kherson had returned to Ukrainian control, Andrii, determined to serve, concealed his disability documents and joined the territorial defense. Not long after, during a fierce battle, a shell exploded nearby, inflicting severe damage to Andrii’s spinal cord and thoracic spine. For his bravery and service, he was awarded the Golden Cross by the Commander-in-Chief.

Now, two years later, Andrii continues his journey of recovery, undergoing extensive treatment and rehabilitation. He remains hopeful about the possibility of surgery and the implantation of an American neurostimulator, which would help alleviate his pain, restore sensation, and potentially allow him to walk again.

Currently undergoing rehabilitation abroad, Andrii Bakun plans to return to Ukraine on April 25. He is available for meetings both online and in person, by prior arrangement.

For reference: Kherson fell under russian occupation at the onset of the full-scale invasion on March 1, 2022. It wasn’t until November 11, 2022, that the Ukrainian Armed Forces liberated the city from russian control. Despite this liberation, the occupiers persist in regularly shelling the city.

• military
• occupation
• Kherson

On April 3, Kyiv will host the Ukrainian premiere of Tommy Gun: On the Road to Kupyansk, a powerful documentary offering an unfiltered glimpse into the war in Ukraine through the lens of a foreign volunteer. The R. T. Weatherman Foundation and the War Museum in Kyiv are behind this exclusive screening.

The film is the work of Mark ‘Gino’ Jannetta, a foreign volunteer who joined the International Legion of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine in 2022, participating in three major military operations. Among them was a daring crossing of the Dnipro River aimed at recapturing the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant. Gino also fought near Kupiansk, where he sustained severe injuries. His life was saved by Thomas ‘Tommy Gun’ Harris, a fellow soldier whose bravery inspired Gino to create this documentary. After undergoing rehabilitation, Gino returned to Ukraine to document the war’s harsh realities from the perspective of those fighting for freedom and independence.

Tommy Gun: On the Road to Kupyansk has already garnered international acclaim, earning multiple awards and accolades at prestigious film festivals.

Following the screening, viewers will have the opportunity to engage in a discussion with director Mark ‘Gino’ Jannetta and Thomas Harris’s father, who will join the conversation online.

Journalists are required to obtain accreditation to cover the event.

For reference: The R. T. Weatherman Foundation, recognized globally for its support of Ukraine, is organizing the screening as part of its extensive FOR FREEDOM project. This initiative, featuring a documentary exhibition running until the end of May at the Motherland Monument, seeks to highlight the struggle of foreign volunteers fighting for freedom. The film’s premiere marks a crucial effort to share the truth about the war and underscore the vital role international volunteers continue to play.

• culture
• military
• Kyiv

“Solar power plant installer” is a course for veterans under the UNIT 6.0 program of the Reskilling Ukraine project. During the course the participants will get acquainted with the main elements and principles of operation of autonomous, grid-connected and hybrid solar power plants, as well as learn how to select the necessary equipment for each type of system. They will study the process of installing solar panels, configuring inverters, and connecting solar power plants.

The training will take place in Kyiv from April 14 to May 2. 

Background: The UNIT 6.0 program is designed for veterans to provide them with more opportunities for professional development as they transition back to civilian life.

Reskilling Ukraine is a project of the Swedish non-profit organization Beredskapslyftet, implemented in Ukraine. The initiative focuses on free training programs for women and veterans to help them start a career in a new field.

• military
• Kyiv

On April 12, Kyiv will host a unique event – the “Steel Guard” festival. Combining a medieval combat sports tournament, veteran inclusivity, and family-friendly cultural activities, the festival aims to support veterans and promote the historical and sports movement.

As part of the festival, two medieval combat tournaments will be held:

• The tournament for novice veterans, “Knights of the New Era”, where anyone interested – regardless of experience, physical condition or level of preparation – can enter the arena. Men and women can participate, including those with amputations or in wheelchairs. All participants will receive the necessary equipment and support from instructors. There is a rule of equal opportunity – the fights will take place in a safe format focused on rehabilitation and community building.
• The professional “KyivGrad Cup” tournament in full steel armor will be the spectacular part of the event, where experienced fighters will show their skills.

Additional Activities during the festival will include workshops (calligraphy, chainmail weaving, and more) and medieval board games (entertainment for the whole family in the style of ancient strategies).

Background: The organizers of the event are Kyiv Military Hub, BuhurtSich and the NGO Historical Patriotic Society Kyivgrad. The festival is supported by the Kyiv City State Administration and the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation.

• culture
• military
• Kyiv

A commemorative race honoring Maksym Kahal, a Hero of Ukraine and soldier with the Azov Special Forces detachment, is scheduled for March 30.

Known by the call sign “Piston” (Percussion Cap) Kahal was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. He served as a senior lieutenant with the Azov Special Forces, commanding a fire support platoon within the 1st Company of the 1st Battalion. Beyond his military service, Kahal was a decorated athlete, crowned ISKA World Kickboxing Champion among adults and earning numerous other sports accolades.

Kahal was killed on March 25, 2022, while defending Mariupol. He was just 30 years old.

The race is being organized by the Association of Azovstal Defenders’ Families. 

Registration for the event is required.

• dead
• military
• Kyiv

Vladyslav Stepanchuk enlisted in the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine when he turned 18. Just a few months later, in the spring of 2024, he gained his first combat experience. While setting up firing positions along the Ukrainian-russian border, Vladyslav and his brothers-in-arms were detected by enemy drones, and their positions came under intense fire.

As the soldiers moved to a reserve position, they were hit by mortar fire, leaving the crew leader and the gunner critically wounded. Amid the chaos, Vladyslav stepped up, assuming command. He quickly altered their route and guided his comrades to the safety of a nearby forest belt. There, he readied the soldiers for evacuation, partially restored communication with the command post, and successfully organized the withdrawal of all personnel.

The rescue mission lasted four hours. Through his decisive actions, Vladyslav managed to evacuate 21 soldiers from a nearly encircled position, ensuring their safe escape.

At just 19, Vladyslav Stepanchuk became the youngest recipient of the prestigious Hero of Ukraine title and the Order of the Golden Star.

Along with his recognition, Vladyslav continues his service on the front lines. Conversations with the border guard can be arranged both online and offline, with the approval of the press officer and by prior arrangement.

• military

Mykola Shot joined Ukraine’s Defense Forces in March 2022, serving with the Kholodnyi Yar Brigade. In February last year, he suffered severe injuries near Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region, resulting in the loss of both his arms and legs.

For several months, Mykola has been adapting to prosthetic limbs with the support of specialists at the UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center in Lviv.

Despite his injuries, he remains active and focused on competing in the Paralympic Games. He is now awaiting specialized running prosthetics to begin training for the competition.

• casualties
• military
• Lviv