Themes by tag: military

Yulian Pylypei, a seasoned Ukrainian Marine, endured unimaginable hardships during his more than two years in captivity. A professional soldier since 2013, Pylypei joined the Marines in 2017, serving in Mariupol. When russia launched its full-scale invasion, he was leading a mortar battery in the 36th Marine Brigade of the Ukrainian Navy.

On April 14, 2022, Pylypei and his comrades were captured while attempting to break through to Azovstal. His family learned of his capture through a text sent in russian from his phone. Over the next two years and five months, he was moved through several detention facilities, including Sartana, Olenivka, Taganrog, Novozybkov, Kursk, and Mordovia, before returning to Novozybkov. Each location brought its own trials, which Pylypei recounts in harrowing detail.

Twice accused and tried by his captors, Pylypei suffered relentless abuse. He was beaten for refusing to confess to ordering attacks on civilians, starved, and subjected to torture, including an attempt to burn off his tattoo of the Ukrainian coat of arms with a stun gun. In his prayers, Pylypei asked for the strength to remain sane amid the torment.

When he was taken from his cell with his belongings, Pylypei assumed he was being transferred to another prison. He could hardly believe it when he was informed he was part of a prisoner exchange. On September 13, 2024, after 29 months in captivity, Pylypei finally returned home to Ukraine.

Those wishing to meet or speak with Yulian Pylypei, either online or in person in Kyiv, can arrange it in advance.

• casualties
• military
• prisoners
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

Peaceful events are planned in 24 cities across Ukraine to raise awareness of the defenders of Azovstal and other soldiers still in enemy captivity.

On December 7, rallies will be held in Okhtyrka, Pivdenoukrainsk, Pavlohrad, Chernihiv, Vinnytsia, Irpin, Dnipro, and Zaporizhia.

On December 8, peaceful actions are scheduled in Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Poltava, Kropyvnytskyi, Uzhhorod, Korosten, Obukhiv, Brovary, Krolevets, Ovruch, Kryvyi Rih, Ternopil, Odesa, Ostroh and Chernivtsi.

The events are organized by the families of POWs from the Mariupol garrison. The rallies are often attended by Ukrainians who have been released from captivity.

• military
• prisoners
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

The NGO Every Animal has teamed up with nutritionist Mark Shpara, Macro-2019 and Eat Me At to develop seven daily plant-based meal plans for military personnel. The aim is to provide a plant-based diet for vegan and vegetarian service members, as well as those who are fasting or avoiding animal products for health reasons.

Ukrainian defenders can order a free ‘Vegan Ration’, which includes 18 plant-based meals (8 starters and 10 main dishes, ready to eat).

The rations are sent by post.

Journalists can learn more about the vegan rations for the military in Kyiv.

For reference: “Every Animal” is an NGO founded in 2019 to promote veganism and advocate for animal rights. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the organization has sent more than 2,000 free weekly vegan rations to military personnel. They also held nine charity festivals called Vegan Weekend, where they raised and donated 3.5 million UAH for the needs of the defense forces.

• food
• military
• Kyiv

From December 6 to 8, journalists are invited to witness the final stage of the all-Ukrainian sports competition, Veterans Games. Organized by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, the event is part of Ukraine’s National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Space, aimed at fostering inclusion and rehabilitation.  

Military personnel and veterans who triumphed in regional competitions will compete in the finals, showcasing their skills in CrossFit and eSports. The primary goal of the Veterans Games is to aid in the physical and mental recovery of servicemen and veterans, providing them with an outlet for strength, resilience, and camaraderie.  

Key attendees will include:
– Natalia Kalmykova, Minister of Veterans Affairs,
– Tetiana Lomakina, Presidential Commissioner for Accessibility,
– representatives from various organizations focused on veteran support and rehabilitation.  

Accreditation is required to attend the event.

• casualties
• military

On December 7, Lviv will witness the grand opening of Vrazhaye (“Amaze”) café, a heartfelt venture launched by veteran Serhii Petchenko and his wife, Anna. Their young son has become the symbolic face of the café, which aims to inspire resilience and hope.

Serhii’s military journey began during the ATO, where he sustained his first injury in 2015. When the full-scale invasion erupted, he volunteered again, defending Ukraine in high-risk areas. Tragedy struck on June 10, 2023, when Serhii boarded a train from Kyiv to Kharkiv. Hours later, he was discovered on the tracks, having been run over by the train. The incident left him without both arms and part of his foot. His family suspects he may have been drugged, as Serhii has no memory of the horrific events of that night.

Journalists can schedule interviews with Serhii and Anna by prior arrangement.

• casualties
• military
• Lviv

Ukraine’s National Guard unit, nicknamed “Peaky Blinders,” has received a unique gift from Steven Knight, the scriptwriter and producer of the popular TV series: 30 custom caps crafted by Garrison Tailors, the show’s official costume designer.  

At the onset of russia’s full-scale invasion, a group of volunteers armed themselves and took to the streets of Kharkiv, wearing civilian clothes as they defended their city. For Oleksandr, who now leads the unit, the scene was reminiscent of the gritty world depicted in Peaky Blinders. Inspired, the group adopted the name and began donning distinctive camouflage caps embroidered with their motto: “Find and Destroy.”  

In the nearly three years since the war began, what started as a group of civilians has evolved into a formidable combat unit within Ukraine’s National Guard. Hardened by intensive training and battlefield experience in the Kharkiv region, the unit now deploys drones to target enemy forces along the front line.  

Their story gained international attention in May 2024 when BBC journalists visited the unit to film a report. The soldiers, in a light-hearted yet heartfelt gesture, signed their caps and asked the journalists to deliver them to Cillian Murphy, who plays the iconic lead role in Peaky Blinders.  

Murphy kept one cap for himself, then signed the remaining ones and returned them to the unit. Shortly afterward, the soldiers received an unexpected message from Steven Knight. As a show of support, he arranged for Garrison Tailors to send 30 caps to the unit—a symbolic gesture linking the fictional Peaky Blinders with their real-life counterparts in Ukraine.  

For those wishing to connect with the “Peaky Blinders” unit, both online and in-person interactions are possible with prior coordination through the unit’s press officer.

• culture
• military

Anastasiia Saksman, 32, took an unconventional path into the military. She prepared for service in the Armed Forces by attending paid military training courses, where she learned first aid and weapons handling. Meanwhile, she sent her resume to various units, determined to find her place.

Unexpectedly, her opportunity came through a dating app. A soldier she connected with reviewed her resume and forwarded it to his unit. After passing the interview, Saksman joined the army as a UAV operator in early 2023.

Tragedy struck in September 2024 when Saksman’s vehicle hit an enemy mine. The doctors had to amputate her left limb, while the battle to save the right one continues. Waking up in intensive care, “Ada” made a remarkable request: she asked not to be discharged, vowing to return to the front lines with a prosthetic leg.

Currently, Saksman is undergoing rehabilitation in the Lviv region as she awaits prosthetics.

Those wishing to speak with Anastasiia Saksman, either online or in person, can do so by arranging approval through the unit’s press officer.

• casualties
• military
• women
• Lviv

For over two decades, Anna Yaroshenko has been exploring the depths as a diver, firmly believing that diving is an experience everyone can enjoy. She’s guided children, seniors, and individuals with hearing and visual impairments, mental health challenges, and physical injuries into the underwater world. Beneath the surface, gravity fades, and the sensation of weightlessness becomes universal.  

When russia’s full-scale invasion began, Anna realized that diving could offer more than adventure—it could be a path to physical and psychological rehabilitation for wounded soldiers. Her first participants, veterans with injuries and amputations, were introduced by her mother, a rehabilitation therapist.  

Anna launched her initiative with a bold name: “Gravity? WTF?” The goal is to provide veterans with a challenging and rewarding new hobby—one that demands mastering the full range of skills needed to become independent divers.  

Training begins in a shallow, wheelchair-accessible pool free from barriers. Once comfortable, participants advance to a 3.8-meter-deep pool. For those who feel confident after several sessions, the final challenge is open water.  

So far, around 40 veterans, including three women, have taken part in the program.  

Journalists are invited to witness this unique rehabilitation effort firsthand at a Kyiv pool where the diving lessons take place.

• casualties
• military
• women
• Kyiv

From December 5 to 8, a hiking trip will take place in the Ukrainian Carpathians for demobilized veterans who either love the mountains or want to try hiking for the first time.

The concept of mountain therapy focuses on healing through hiking and reconnecting with oneself, facilitated by interaction with others. The team includes psychologists from the NGO Metta, as well as guides and Ukrainian army veterans Vitalii Dyachuk and Oleksii Kushnier from Nomad.live, who have experienced the benefits of mountain therapy themselves and are now helping their comrades recover. This time Oleksii Kushnier will be the guide.

Background information: Mountain therapy is organized by the NGO Metta. Participation, accommodation and meals are provided free of charge.

• military
• psychological support

On December 2, during the fourth training camp of the Ukrainian national team for the 2025 Invictus Games, a friendly wheelchair basketball match will take place between this year’s team members and participants from previous years’ teams.

In addition to the basketball game, players from different years will connect, share their experiences, and reflect on their participation in the project. Former team members will once again experience the Invictus spirit and share their stories about being part of the initiative. The day will also feature an informal networking session between the national team members and project partners.

Speeches will be delivered by Ukraine’s Minister for Veterans Affairs, Nataliia Kalmykova, representatives from the Embassy of Canada, and NATO officials.

Media representatives will have the opportunity to interview current and former national team members, as well as guests, partners, and project organizers.

Registration is required for media attendance.

Background Information: The 2025 Invictus Games will be held in Canada from February 8-16, 2025 and will feature winter sports for the first time. The event is expected to attract over 500 participants from more than 20 countries.

• casualties
• military
• Kyiv