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Ukrainian veteran and public advocate Andrii Madzharov has completed a 1,500-kilometer trek from Ukraine to Brussels, a symbolic journey meant to remind Europe of the price Ukrainians continue to pay in their fight for freedom.

Madzharov, a longtime member of a veterans’ union, has served in Ukraine’s defense since 2015. After russia launched its full-scale invasion, he joined the Safari special forces unit of the National Police and took part in operations across the Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Donetsk regions.

In August 2025, he set out on foot toward the Belgian capital, determined to share the voices of his fellow soldiers and draw attention to the cost of Ukraine’s ongoing resistance. During his journey, Madzharov met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, presenting him with the chevron he had worn in combat as a token of respect and solidarity.

After three months on the road, the veteran arrived in Brussels in early November, where he plans to stay for several days. 

Those wishing to speak with Andrii Madzharov about his mission and experiences can arrange an online conversation in advance.

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Maksym was 11 years old when russia first attacked Ukraine in 2014. His most vivid memories from that time are of people fleeing the war to his hometown of Berdiansk, in southern Ukraine. In 2019, his older brother joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

After the full-scale invasion began and Berdiansk was occupied, Maksym enlisted through the “18-24” mobilization program. Maksym joined the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade “Edelweiss”, serving as an infantryman for the past seven months.

His achievements during this time include capturing an enemy soldier, holding a position single-handedly for several days, and sustaining a combat injury.

In recognition of his accomplishments, the brigade command has nominated the 21-year-old Korshun for the “For Courage” award.

Maksym is available for interviews online and in person in the Donetsk oblast by prior arrangement with the press officer.

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On November 4, Kyiv will host a meeting with Swedish volunteers Caroline Nordengrip and Christopher Forsback, who took up arms to defend Ukraine against russia’s full-scale invasion. Caroline Nordengrip, a former member of the Swedish Parliament with a 15-year career in politics, joined Ukraine’s 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade “Magura.” Serving under the call sign “Alex,” she not only defended the country but also trained members of the Ukrainian Forces of Ukraine. 

Christopher Forsback, who goes by the call sign “Chris,” previously worked in forestry before volunteering to fight with the same brigade. He took part in combat operations against russian forces, helped clear mines from Ukrainian territory, and sustained serious injuries during his service.

During the event, the two volunteers will share their stories, from their peaceful lives in Sweden to the realities of war on Ukraine’s front lines, and present several personal items to the War Museum’s collection.

For reference: The meeting is part of the For Freedom project, a joint initiative of the Kyiv War Museum and the Romulus T. Weatherman Foundation. The project honors international volunteers who have stood up alongside Ukrainians for the defense of the country’s independence and global freedom. It highlights the scope of international solidarity with Ukraine, from military and humanitarian support to the personal decisions of foreign citizens to join its armed forces.

Journalists are required to register to attend the event.

• culture
• military
• Kyiv

When russia’s full-scale invasion broke out, Maksym Levchenko, known by his callsign “Roger,” didn’t think twice about joining the Ukrainian army. In the early days of the war, he and his comrades defended the Kyiv region. Later, when he learned there was a chance to reach the besieged city of Mariupol by helicopter, Maksym volunteered without hesitation. 

He says his decision was simple, his friends were fighting there, and he wanted to stand by them. Maksym went on to defend Mariupol until May 2022, when, acting on his commander’s orders, he surrendered to russian forces and was taken into captivity. 

He spent the next 13 months in captivity. During that time, he and a fellow soldier often talked about what they would do once they returned home. Their shared dream was to open an airsoft club, a place for camaraderie, training, and purpose beyond the battlefield.

In June 2023, Maksym was finally freed in a prisoner exchange. While waiting for his comrade’s release, he decided to bring their idea to life. He launched an airsoft club in Lviv, turning their wartime dream into a reality. Part of the club’s mission, he says, is to support Ukraine’s Armed Forces by raising funds for the military.

Maksym Levchenko is available for interviews online or in person in Lviv, by prior arrangement.

• military
• prisoners
• Lviv

Bioengineer and veteran Oleksandr Zozuliak began defending Ukraine in 2014. He served in the artillery unit of the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade of the Ground Forces, then known as the Mountain Infantry. His brigade fought in the Zolote area of Luhansk Oblast and later in Debaltseve, Donetsk Oblast, where Zozuliak commanded a mortar battery platoon.

On January 25, 2015, during fierce fighting near Debaltseve, a russian tank drove directly into Zozuliak’s trench. He tried to dodge the vehicle, hoping to destroy it with a hand-held grenade launcher. His quick reaction caused the tank to get stuck in the trench, allowing his comrades to hit it. The damaged vehicle was later towed away with a cable to free him from underneath.

Zozuliak suffered severe injuries: multiple broken ribs, a fractured pelvis, damaged right arm and left leg, torn muscles, chest and abdominal trauma, head contusions, and burns. His left arm was the most badly injured and had to be amputated. Doctors told him he would never walk again. Yet, within a year, he was back on his feet, and soon after, back at work, this time in the police force.

Refusing to give up an active life, Zozuliak discovered archery. Working with a prosthetist, he designed a custom prosthesis for shooting, later improving it himself. The modified device includes a special clamp that lets him draw the bowstring. In 2023, he became Ukraine’s national archery champion among athletes with disabilities. He also represented Ukraine at the Invictus Games in 2017 and 2018, competing in cycling, swimming, and archery.

Zozuliak was among the first in Ukraine to receive a cutting-edge bionic prosthesis. Today, he works as a prosthetist-orthotist technician, manufacturing and fitting advanced prosthetic limbs for veterans who lost theirs in the war. These modern prostheses feature multi-sensor systems, and Zozuliak personally tests new designs on himself before adapting them for others.

By prior arrangement, journalists can meet with Oleksandr Zozuliak in Kyiv.

• casualties
• military
• Kyiv

Dmytro Dokunov, a native of Nova Kakhovka in Ukraine’s Kherson region, once built his career in television after studying in Odesa. Seeking a quieter life, he and his wife moved to a village in the Odesa region to be closer to nature. But their peace was shattered when Russia launched its full-scale invasion, prompting Dmytro to enlist in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

He served in the airborne assault troops and later commanded a reconnaissance company, taking part in fierce battles for Kherson, Bakhmut, and Soledar. Twice wounded and suffering multiple concussions, Dokunov endured the brutality of war while holding onto his long-time passion for videography. Even at the front, he continued filming, capturing raw moments of combat and resilience. His wartime documentary, shot amid the hostilities, is now set to premiere at a European film festival.

During his recovery, Dokunov began envisioning a space where veterans could heal both physically and emotionally. That idea became Toloka – a rehabilitation retreat he founded in a village in the Odesa region. As he describes it, Toloka is a place where people can face their inner fears, listen to silence, and find the strength to move forward.

The project received financial backing from the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation, enabling Dmytro to turn his vision into reality. Today, he helps fellow veterans adjust to civilian life, offering support and community to those who share the scars of war.

Those who wish to connect with Dmytro Dokunov can reach him either online or in person at Toloka, located in the village of Konceba in the Odesa region, by prior arrangement.

• culture
• military
• Odesa

The project “Light of the Unbroken,” created by YARMICH and Azov.Support, was presented in Kyiv. The project launched a special service that adapts classic clothing for military personnel who have lost limbs. This initiative aims to provide veterans with comfort, style, dignity, and confidence — foundational elements for psychological recovery after war.

The classic menswear brand has partnered with the Azov.Support initiative, which helps veterans with their physical and social rehabilitation. Together, they have developed a format combining individual tailoring, deep empathy, and an engineering approach.

Thanks to this service, military personnel can receive a free personal consultation with specialists who consider all physiological particularities, including prosthetics, changes in body shape, and limited mobility. YARMICH designers then create a custom cut to ensure comfort and a natural fit. Suits, shirts, and coats are sewn from elegant yet functional fabrics that are soft yet hold their shape and classic yet practical. The result is clothing that allows you to look in the mirror with pride once again.

The first Light of the Unbroken ambassadors are Pavlo, whose call sign is “Pakhom,” and Stanislav “Morti” Ryzhenkov. Pavlo is a fighter in the 12th “Azov” Brigade, and Stanislav is an “Azov” veteran and the Commissioner for Veterans’ Affairs in Kyiv.

YARMICH and Azov.Support plan to expand the project to reach more veterans in various Ukrainian cities. Future plans include creating an open partnership program for brands that wish to contribute by providing fabrics, supporting adaptation services, or assisting with logistics.

By prior arrangement, journalists have the opportunity to cover the project and speak with brand representatives and veterans.

• casualties
• culture
• military
• Kyiv

Oleksandr Zhavnenko is 36 years old. When the full-scale invasion began, he supported the Ukrainian army as a volunteer. In 2023, he was mobilized and joined the ranks of the 12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov”, serving as a drone operator.

In October 2024, Oleksandr sustained severe injuries that resulted in the loss of both his legs. After undergoing rehabilitation, he dreamed of dancing with his wife again, this time with prosthetic legs. The couple had first fallen in love in a dance studio years earlier.

While recovering, Oleksandr participated in a business course for patients of the UNBROKEN Center in Lviv, organized by the ReStart project: “From an Idea to a Veteran-Owned Business”. After completing the course, he developed a business plan, applied for a state grant, and secured funding to open his own dance studio. Named Yavir Dance Space, the studio officially opened in Lviv on October 18.

Oleksandr is available for interviews, both online and in person in Lviv, by prior arrangement.

• casualties
• culture
• military
• Lviv

Andrii Madzharov, a Ukrainian veteran, public figure, and member of a veterans’ union, has been defending Ukraine since 2015. Following the outbreak of the full-scale invasion, he joined the Safari special forces unit of the Ukrainian National Police, participating in battles across the Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Donetsk regions.

In August 2025, Madzharov embarked on a remarkable journey on foot from Ukraine to Brussels, aiming to amplify the voices of his comrades and remind Europe of the human cost of Ukraine’s struggle. Along the way, he met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, presenting him with the chevron he wore during his service as a symbol of Ukraine’s resilience.

Andrii Madzharov is available to connect online for conversations about his journey and experiences.

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Roman Didera is a veteran of the russian-Ukrainian war who served as a paratrooper and machine gunner. In 2015, he was drafted into the 95th Separate Airborne Brigade. By the end of the year, however, Roman began to experience severe knee pain. He gradually lost the ability to walk, and faced the threat of amputation. Timely prosthetic surgeries provided him with two hip replacements and set him on a new path.

Following the start of the full-scale invasion, Roman discovered a passion for embroidery, inspired by his wife, Mariana. His first piece was a beaded image of Jesus Christ. He also created a Bayraktar shirt. Since then, Roman has mastered approximately 40 traditional stitches to create authentic vyshyvankas, traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirts.

In three years, he has created 33 unique shirts, each a one-of-a-kind piece. In recognition of his skill, he was granted special permission to recreate a copy of Taras Shevchenko’s personal vyshyvanka. His expertise has earned him the title of Folk Master of Ukraine in Vyshyvanka and membership in the National Union of Folk Art Masters.

A dedicated online page, “Sorochka z rodu v rid” (A Shirt from Generation to Generation), now showcases and sells the embroidered works created by Roman and his wife.

Journalists can speak with Roman and his wife Mariana in Lviv or online, by prior arrangement.

• casualties
• culture
• military
• Lviv