Themes by tag: military

Oleksandr Laptii, a 50-year-old Ukrainian actor known for his roles in films like The Rising Hawk, The Fight Rules, and Cherkasy, has taken on a prominent role in the sequel to the cult video game S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. A longtime fan of the game series, Laptii was invited by the casting team to contribute as a model for 3D animation, bringing one of the game’s central characters to life. Filming began in early 2022 but was abruptly halted after just a few days due to russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In the summer of 2023, Laptii joined the 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade, where he earned the call sign “Sei.” Despite his new military role, he received permission from his commanders later that year to resume his work on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. Production restarted in November, and Laptii rejoined the team to complete his contributions.

On November 20, after a 15-year wait, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 was finally released to fans worldwide.

Laptii is available for interviews, both online and in person, with prior approval from Azov’s press service.

• culture
• military

Mariia Aleksieievych is the wife of Serhii Aleksieievych, a fighter of the Azov Brigade, which defended Mariupol from the beginning of the full-scale russian invasion until 16 May 2022. On that day, Serhii and his comrades left Azovstal on orders from their superiors and were captured by russians.

For more than two years, Mariia worked tirelessly to bring her beloved and other prisoners home. During this time, she traveled to Austria to attend an OSCE meeting on the Olenivka terrorist attack, met with Ukrainian officials, and attended weekly rallies dedicated to the defenders of Azovstal. On 18 October 2024, Serhii Aleksieievych returned to Ukraine as part of a prisoner exchange.

Mariia says she had a strong feeling that her beloved would finally come home that day. At 10.20 pm, she received a call from the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War with the long-awaited news. A few hours later, Serhii himself called her. Mariia says she still cannot believe it is not a dream and that her husband has really returned from captivity.

Serhii is currently undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.

Serhii Aleksieievych is not yet ready for interviews. However, Mariia Aleksieievych is available to talk about her experiences, her work with Olenivka Community NGO and the emotional reunion with her husband after his captivity – online or in person in Kyiv or Vinnytsia by prior arrangement.

• military
• prisoners
• russian crimes
• women
• Kyiv
• Vinnytsia

Ivan Lavreniuk, a native of Ukraine’s Vinnytsia region, answered the call to defend his country when russia launched its full-scale invasion. Volunteering for service, he joined the airborne assault troops and became part of the 71st Separate Jaeger Brigade. Stationed near Avdiivka, Ivan faced relentless combat. In March 2024, while returning from an assault, he was caught in a mortar strike. The blast left him permanently blind. Ivan recalls knowing instantly what had happened. He checked his arms and legs, confirmed they were intact, and began crawling back to safety.  

The road to recovery was far from easy. Psychological rehabilitation posed significant challenges, but the unwavering support of family and friends helped Ivan rebuild his life. His physical recovery progressed quickly, thanks to a lifelong passion for sports. It was this passion that led Ivan to try out for Ukraine’s national team at the Invictus Games. He is now preparing to compete in powerlifting, athletics, and swimming.

For those interested in meeting Ivan Lavreniuk, he is available for conversations in Vinnytsia, with prior arrangements possible either online or in person.

• casualties
• military
• Vinnytsia

Oksana Smirnova, a resident of Irpin in the Kyiv region, faced an unimaginable tragedy when her son, Serhii, stayed behind to defend their hometown during the early days of russia’s full-scale invasion. Serhii was killed in the Battle of Irpin on his birthday—March 25, 2022. 

In the wake of her loss, Oksana, a former designer, turned to art therapy as a way to heal and help others. She established a safe space for women affected by the war, where they could find solace through creative expression. At her workshops, participants craft three-dimensional toys, woolen paintings, and drawings. The handmade items are sold at fairs supporting the families of fallen soldiers, with all proceeds donated to the siblings of the deceased.

The community Oksana has built includes women who have lost loved ones at the front, those with husbands fighting on the frontlines, and displaced women seeking a sense of connection.

Journalists can arrange to speak with Oksana either in Irpin or virtually. Her next workshop is tentatively set for next week.

• dead
• military
• women
• Kyiv

Violetta and Oleh Nahornyi spent their lives in Vinnytsia, where Oleh worked in the building materials business and Violetta taught voice lessons. Together, they raised three children—a son and two daughters. Their peaceful life was shattered by the onset of the full-scale invasion, which destroyed their sense of security and shattered their plans for the future.

On the very first day of the all-out invasion, Oleh enlisted in the Territorial Defense Forces, determined to protect his family. Tragically, on May 14, 2024, he was fatally wounded while attempting to rescue his injured comrades.

A combat medic who was with Oleh in his final moments shared that the fallen soldier’s thoughts were with his family. “He asked me to tell you that he loves Violetta and the children very much, and to raise his youngest son—with dignity—as he is a spitting image of his father.” Official reports list Oleh as missing, but his family knows the heartbreaking truth: he died in the line of duty.

Violetta, once an aspiring composer, had set aside her music as the war took hold. However, after losing Oleh, she felt compelled to write a song in his honor. The piece was completed for his birthday, but she dedicated it not only to him but to all women who have lost their heroes in the war.

For reference: The Children of Heroes charity foundation is currently supporting Violetta and her children. The organization helps children who have lost one or both parents to the war, offering financial assistance, psychological and legal support, and promoting their education and well-being until they come of age.

• children
• dead
• military
• women
• Vinnytsia

Alla Senchenko is both a skilled tailor and a dedicated soldier. She joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2018, serving for three years before her initial contract ended. When russia launched its full-scale invasion, Alla wasted no time and reported to the military recruitment office, where she was mobilized as a rifleman.

In May 2022, while defending Lyman in the Donetsk region, she was captured by russian forces. Held in captivity for eight months and 11 days, Alla recalls relying solely on her faith and hope to endure. On February 4, 2023, she was finally released and returned to Ukraine. After completing her rehabilitation in late March, Alla was able to reunite with her family, whom she had not seen since the war began.

Today, Alla works at the Lutsk Territorial Center of Recruitment and Social Support. Alongside her current role, she dreams of designing clothing for soldiers and remains steadfast in her hope for Ukraine’s victory.

For those interested, Alla Senchenko is available for conversations both online and in person, by prior arrangement.

• military
• prisoners
• women
• Lutsk

Peaceful demonstrations will take place in 26 cities across Ukraine to draw attention to prisoners of war and missing persons, including the Azovstal defenders and other military personnel still held in enemy captivity.

On November 9, rallies are planned in Okhtyrka, Pavlohrad, Chernihiv, Vinnytsia, Irpin, Dnipro, and Zaporizhia. The following day, November 10, events will be held in Kyiv, Pivdennoukrainsk, Mykolaiv, Uman, Cherkasy, Poltava, Uzhhorod, Korosten, Obukhiv, Krolevets, Ovruch, Korostyshiv, Kremenchuk, Odesa, Ostroh, and Chernivtsi.

These gatherings aim to remind the public of the ongoing plight of those in captivity and rally support for their release.

• military
• prisoners
• Kyiv

Oleksandr Tereshchenko, a veteran of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, is turning personal tragedy into a mission to assist others. In 2015, while defending Donetsk airport, Tereshchenko sustained critical injuries, losing his right arm and left hand. Today, he leads the International Charitable Foundation bearing his name and has launched a social project titled “I Did, So Can You” to help fellow veterans navigate life after amputation.

The initiative includes a series of 12 films featuring practical advice on everyday tasks for those with similar injuries. Drawing on his own experiences, Tereshchenko demonstrates how individuals with amputated arms can handle daily challenges. The project primarily targets military personnel who recently lost limbs and are struggling to adjust to their new reality.

Set for completion in 2025, the project aims to assist not only the veterans but also their families. According to Tereshchenko, the videos will provide loved ones with insights into supporting amputees on their journey toward independence.

Those interested can arrange in-person meetings with Tereshchenko in Kyiv or Lviv. Journalists are also welcome to observe the filming process by prior arrangement.

• casualties
• military
• Kyiv
• Lviv

Kateryna and Artem Sobchenko were married in 2016, welcoming their son, also named Artem, a year later. Though the couple eventually divorced, they remained on good terms, maintaining a warm and supportive relationship.

When russia launched its full-scale invasion, Kateryna and her son were living in Mykolaiv, a city in southern Ukraine. On that fateful day, Kateryna was preparing for work when the sound of explosions shattered the morning calm.

Artem Sobchenko had dedicated his life to military service. He served as a Marine during the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) but was forced to retire due to health issues. However, when the invasion began, he immediately volunteered at the enlistment office. Despite being turned away, Artem was undeterred. He defended Mykolaiv as a volunteer, helped evacuate civilians from Mariupol, and eventually joined the 77th Airmobile Brigade as a medic and platoon sergeant.

Artem’s bravery earned him the title of Hero of Ukraine, the Golden Star badge, and the Order of Courage. During the battle for Soledar, he saved 15 comrades. Later, while defending Bakhmut, he saved another soldier’s life but tragically did not return from the battlefield himself.

Kateryna received the devastating news just as their son was preparing to start first grade. The loss plunged young Artem into a deep depression. He became withdrawn, crying constantly and stuttering when he tried to speak.

Seeking help, Kateryna turned to the Children of Heroes Foundation, which supports children who have lost parents in the war. With the help of a psychologist and art therapy, Artem began to heal. He now speaks more openly and has started to smile again.

For context: The Children of Heroes Foundation provides financial aid, psychological and legal support, and educational opportunities for children who have lost one or both parents due to the war, continuing its assistance until they reach adulthood.

• children
• dead
• military
• women
• Mykolaiv

Oksana Starodub, a mother of two from Chernihiv, faced unthinkable challenges after deciding to stay in her hometown when the war began. Her husband, Mykola, joined the territorial defense forces on the second day of the all-out invasion, determined to protect his family and city. On March 6, 2022, russian mortars struck Oksana’s home, leaving her severely injured and unable to move. Her teenage son bandaged her wounds as they awaited help, but continued shelling prevented an ambulance from reaching them. Eventually, Mykola and his unit managed to return home, where a military medic applied a tactical tourniquet to Oksana’s leg before she was taken to a hospital. The hospital, overwhelmed with wounded, was operating under dire conditions. Power was down due to nearby shelling, staff was stretched thin, and resources were scarce. Drinking water arrived only once daily, and food for both patients and doctors was cooked outdoors over an open flame. Oksana later traveled to Vinnytsia for multiple surgeries and, by September 2022, was able to walk on her own again. 

Meanwhile, Mykola continued defending the Chernihiv region until his battalion was deployed to Donetsk. On June 17, 2024, during a combat mission, Mykola sustained fatal wounds, leaving Oksana a widow.

The Children of Heroes charity foundation is currently supporting the family. Dedicated to aiding children who have lost one or both parents due to russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the foundation offers financial assistance, psychological counseling, legal aid, and educational support to help these children grow and thrive until adulthood.

• casualties
• dead
• military
• women
• Chernihiv