Themes by tag: military

In 2019, Vladyslav Zadorin enlisted in the Ukrainian army, becoming part of the 35th Marine Brigade. When russia launched its full-scale invasion, he found himself stationed on Snake Island. Alongside his fellow defenders, Zadorin was captured by russian forces in the early days of the conflict.

Over the course of two grueling years in captivity, Zadorin endured both physical and psychological torture. His body, once strong, was ravaged by starvation—he lost 60 kilograms, nearly half of his total weight. In the dire conditions of the prison, prisoners were left to starve. Vladyslav recalls the extreme measures they took to survive, with some resorting to eating worms and even chewing on toilet paper.

Vladyslav only learned of his release on a bus ride, a moment filled with disbelief as he had been led to believe he was being transferred to yet another prison. On January 3, 2024, he was finally brought back to Ukraine. Now, Zadorin is undergoing rehabilitation in Odesa. Despite the trauma, he plans to return to military service—this time as an instructor, determined to share his experiences and knowledge.

Vladyslav is open to speaking with journalists, both online and in person, by appointment.

For reference: The battle for Snake Island began on February 24, 2022, with a missile strike on the Ukrainian border garrison. Despite the destruction of all structures on the island, Ukrainian forces continued to resist. After hours of intense fighting, the russian military captured the island and took its defenders prisoner. 

However, on June 30, 2022, the russian forces hastily withdrew from Snake Island, and on July 4, the Ukrainian military raised their flag over the reclaimed territory.

• casualties
• military
• prisoners
• russian crimes
• Odesa

Iryna Shmatko lost her husband and mother in the war. Iryna met her beloved Oleksandr back in 2014 at the Azov training center, where her future husband was serving at the time. The relationship developed, in 2017 Oleksandr was discharged and the couple became parents of three children.

With the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion, Oleksandr Shmatko immediately returned to the ranks of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, and Iryna took up volunteering.

On April 15, 2022, Iryna lost her mother, Nataliia Strebkova (call sign Zoriana), who defended Mariupol and died during the bombing of the Azovstal plant.

Later, Iryna found out that she was pregnant with her fourth child. However, Oleksandr didn’t live long enough to meet his youngest daughter. He died in November 2023 in Donetsk region. The girl, who was born three weeks after her father’s death, was named Zoriana after her heroic grandmother.

Journalists can talk to Iryna in person in Poltava or online. Iryna is raising two sons (ages 9 and 5) and two daughters (age 7 and an 8-month infant).

For reference: Nataliia Strebkova (call sign Zoriana) was posthumously awarded the Order for Courage 3rd degree. The “Memorial” platform created a documentary film about Nataliia.

Currently, the family is being cared for by the Children of Heroes charitable foundation. The organization helps children who lost one or both parents as a result of russia’s full-scale invasion. The foundation provides financial assistance, psychological and legal support, promotes education and development of children until they reach adulthood.

• children
• dead
• military
• women
• Poltava

In January 2015, during fierce fighting near the Donetsk airport, a serviceman of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Bohdan Pantiushenko, was taken prisoner by the russians. It was only five years later that Bohdan was finally returned home. He was released from captivity in an exchange on December 29, 2019. A year ago, Bohdan, together with his wife Viktoriia, started his own business, namely a family cafe in Kyiv region. It was one of the couple’s longtime dreams. The couple is raising a small son, so they have created a special area for children in their establishment, as well as a children’s menu.

At first, Bohdan planned to invest only his own funds, but he learned about the support program for veterans from the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation. Thus, the serviceman submitted an application and received almost UAH 3 million to realize his project. Now the doors of the establishment are open to everyone who wants to have a delicious meal.

By prior arrangement, the couple is ready to communicate with journalists, both online and in person in Kyiv region.

• military
• prisoners
• Kyiv

In civilian life, the serviceman with the call sign “Scythian” painted landscapes and trekked through the mountains and steppes of Ukraine. It was for this reason that the man received the call sign “Scythian” in the army. The fighter does not disclose his name for security reasons.

With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the soldier joined the “Khartiia” (Charter) 13th brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine. Even in the army he found use for his skills: “Scythian” camouflages weapons and vehicles so that they become invisible to the enemy. The military man is also in charge of the artillery calculation in the brigade. In the breaks between military missions, he continues to paint pictures and experiment with drawing techniques. The landscapes painted by the soldier mostly depict Crimea, because the military man dreams of returning the peninsula under Ukraine’s control.

The serviceman with call sign “Scythian” is on the front lines. The soldier is ready to communicate with journalists, both online and in person, by prior arrangement.

• culture
• military

How should journalists and communicators approach conversations with military personnel and former prisoners of war without causing harm? What ethical considerations should guide the media’s portrayal of the military? These pressing questions will be at the forefront of a discussion led by Valeriia “Nava” Subotina, a reserve officer, former prisoner of war, and defender of Mariupol. Subotina, who now serves as the director of the YOUkraine hub for ex-prisoners of war, will share her expertise in an upcoming meeting with members of the media.

The session aims to emphasize the importance of ethical communication, highlighting how responsible interactions can aid military personnel and former POWs in transitioning back to civilian life and overcoming psychological trauma.

Pre-registration is required, with a minimum donation of 300 UAH for participation. The event will be held both in person and online via Google Meet. All funds raised will be directed to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

• military
• prisoners
• women
• Kyiv

Diana Chernikova, a trained educator who now works as a fitness trainer, shared her life with her husband, Kostiantyn, a master of sports in artistic gymnastics. Kostiantyn dedicated his life to training young athletes and working as a fitness coach. His talents extended beyond the gym, as he also worked as a stuntman, appearing in films and commercials. Together, they raised their 8-year-old daughter, Kira.

The morning of February 24, 2022, shattered their world as explosions erupted across Kyiv. For a time, the family sheltered in the city, spending countless hours in the shared corridor of their building. Eventually, they decided to evacuate to Kalush, Diana’s hometown in western Ukraine.

Both Diana and Kostiantyn were determined to defend their country, eager to serve in the military. However, with a young daughter to care for, they made the difficult decision that only one of them could enlist. Kostiantyn volunteered in March 2022 and soon took on the role of an FPV drone pilot.

By August 2023, Kostiantyn was engaged in combat in the Donetsk region. Tragically, on May 29, 2024, his service came to a heartbreaking end when he was killed in action.

Diana remains deeply proud of her husband, who selflessly volunteered to protect Ukraine.

For those interested in hearing more about Kostiantyn’s story, Diana is available to speak with journalists in Kyiv.

For reference: The Children of Heroes charity fund is currently supporting Diana and her daughter. The organization aids children who have lost one or both parents due to russia’s full-scale invasion, offering financial assistance, psychological and legal support, and ensuring the educational and developmental needs of these children are met until they reach adulthood.

• dead
• military
• women
• Kyiv

In 2004, Vasyl Shtefko, a native of Zakarpattia, lost both his legs while working in russia. Since the accident, he has relied on prosthetic limbs and lives with a first-grade disability. Yet, despite these challenges, Vasyl’s resolve remained unshaken.

When russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Vasyl didn’t hesitate. He reported to the Territorial Recruitment Center, concealing his use of prostheses to join the military. Successfully enlisting, he became a member of the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade “Zakarpattia”, serving alongside his comrades on the Zaporizhia front.

After six months of intense combat, Vasyl’s health deteriorated, forcing him to step down from active duty and return home. However, his commitment to Ukraine’s defense did not end there. 

Back in Zakarpattia, Vasyl remains deeply involved in supporting the military as a volunteer though.

Vasyl Shtefko is available in Zakarpattia for interviews with journalists, both online and in person, by prior arrangement.

• casualties
• military
• Uzhhorod

Before the full-scale invasion, Kostiantyn Frolov worked as an international trainer for a cosmetics company and taught in Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine.

Kostiantyn planned to join the army in 2022. He finally went through with his decision after his mother, who lives in occupied Crimea, sided with the aggressor country. Nowadays, Kostiantyn does not communicate with his mother.

The man is undergoing training in the capital and is preparing to become a UAV operator. Kostiantyn’s brothers in arms know about his orientation and treat him with respect.

Kostiantyn Frolov is undergoing training in the capital. The man is ready to communicate with journalists, both online and in person.

• military
• Kyiv
• LGBT

The BuhurtSich project is leveraging the medieval sport of buhurt to bolster the psychological well-being of Ukrainian military personnel. Buhurt, a team sport that simulates knightly combat in full armor or protective gear, has proven to be not only visually striking but also therapeutically beneficial, as evidenced by its impact in other countries.

In the U.S., many participants in buhurt have been former military members who credit the sport with helping them manage PTSD, overcome substance abuse, and even stave off suicidal tendencies. Beyond its physical demands, buhurt fosters a strong sense of community.

The BuhurtSich project has been active for over 10 months, attracting 171 participants to its training sessions. Among them, one veteran has even taken up blacksmithing to learn the craft of armor-making.

Journalists are invited to explore and report on this innovative initiative in Kyiv.

• casualties
• culture
• military
• psychological support
• Kyiv

Before the start of the full-scale invasion, 50-year-old theater and film actor Oleksandr Laptii acted in a number of Ukrainian films. In particular, he had roles in The Rising Hawk, The Fight Rules and Cherkasy. Shortly before the start of the big war, Oleksandr received an invitation from S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 casting director to participate in the creation of its sequel. Oleksandr, as a fan of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe, immediately agreed and his appearance was used for a 3D model of one of the game’s key characters. Before February 2022, the team had managed only a few shooting days.

With the beginning of the invasion, the project was put on hold, and in the summer of 2023, Oleksandr joined the army and became a fighter of the 12th Special Operations Brigade Azov, where he received the callsign “Sei.” However, in November of the same year, work on the sequel resumed, and Oleksandr received permission from the command to get back to work on his character.

Oleksandr Laptii is ready to communicate with journalists, both online and in person, upon prior agreement and coordination with the Azov press service.

• culture
• military