Themes by tag: military

Oleksandr Budko enlisted in the military at the outset of the full-blown war. After enduring the loss of both his legs during a combat mission, the soldier, Oleksandr, persevered and didn’t let the injury stop him from embracing civilian life. He mastered prosthetics, penned an autobiography, took up stand-up comedy, and recently became a central figure in a documentary highlighting the resilience of dancers who fled Ukraine post-Russian invasion to establish the United Ukrainian Ballet. Actress Sarah Jessica Parker is set to produce the film. Now, on February 13, Oleksandr Budko presented the inaugural episode of “Leg Flew or All Inclusive,” an inclusive travel show he spearheaded. In this series, he traverses Ukraine alongside companions from the media realm, exploring cities for accessibility. Show participants, including the host and guests, maneuver wheelchairs as they visit renowned tourist spots, landmarks, and museums. Even as an entertaining show, yet it also sheds light on the challenges regarding the accessibility of public places.

• casualties
• military

Ukrainian photographer Marta Syrko initiated the Sculpture series photo project. The protagonists of her photographs are Ukrainian defenders who have endured the consequences of Russia’s full-blown invasion of Ukraine. (These are soldiers who were injured, got burned, or had their limbs amputated.) The project also welcomes civilians impacted by the war to participate.

Photographer Marta Syrko recently shared Serhii’s story, highlighting it in her photos. Serhii sustained his initial injury during the ATO in 2015. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, he volunteered for service in high-risk areas. In June 2023 Serhii was involved in an accident while traveling from Kyiv to Kharkiv. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, as Serhii was found near the Myrhorod station, having been struck by a train, he had suffered grievous injuries, losing both arms and part of his foot. Serhii has no recollection of the events, having lost consciousness during the journey.

Journalists had the opportunity to speak with both photographer Marta Syrko and Serhii, along with his wife.

For reference: as February 24, 2024, marks the grim two-year anniversary of Russia’s criminal incursion into Ukraine. It stands as the apex of a decade-long war of aggression, which actually dates back to February 20, 2014, beginning with the annexation of Crimea. Russian forces invaded Ukrainian Crimea without any identifying markings and, after that, seized control of the peninsula back then. Subsequently, these events escalated into war in eastern Ukraine.

• casualties
• military
• Lviv

Oleksandr Darmoros’ life took a drastic turn in March 2016. Serving as an intelligence officer in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) zone, during a combat mission, Darmoros hit an anti-personnel mine, leaving his entire body severely injured. Evacuated by his fellow soldiers in time, however, the blast took his eyesight and leg. Darmoros underwent numerous surgeries and years of rehabilitation, both in Ukraine and abroad. Despite the challenges, he persevered, learning to navigate life with prosthetics and take care of himself while living in darkness. In the US, Darmoros received running prosthetics and even participated in the Marine Corps Marathon. Alongside his physical recovery, he embarked on a new career path as a military psychologist. Now based in the Khmelnytskyi region, he provides crucial support to soldiers in need. Looking ahead, Darmoros aims to relaunch his YouTube channel, intending to share his experience and insights with a broader audience.

For reference: as February 24, 2024, marks the grim two-year anniversary of Russia’s criminal incursion into Ukraine. It stands as the apex of a decade-long war of aggression, which actually dates back to February 20, 2014, beginning with the annexation of Crimea. Russian forces invaded Ukrainian Crimea without any identifying markings and, after that, seized control of the peninsula back then. Subsequently, these events escalated into war in eastern Ukraine.

• casualties
• military
• psychological support
• Khmelnytskyi

Once a globetrotting business coach who traversed 42 countries, Kostiantyn Malomuzh’s life took a creative turn following a harrowing car accident in 2019. Inspired to delve into the world of children’s comic book scripts, he embarked on his artistic journey. 

He brought his idea to fruition following the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion and his voluntary mobilization to the Defense Forces. Kostiantyn, now tasked with ammunition delivery in the South, dedicates his spare moments to comic creation. Teaming up with a fellow artist, they birthed “Superhero in Each of Us,” tailored for youngsters aged 10-12. Shouldering the financial burden, Kostiantyn printed and distributed over 40,000 copies to eager young readers. Additionally, he endeavors on a Ukrainian-language cartoon promoting unity. 

For reference: as February 24, 2024, marks the grim two-year anniversary of Russia’s criminal incursion into Ukraine, it stands as the apex of a decade-long war of aggression that began with the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and escalated into war in eastern Ukraine

• children
• military

On February 12, the Ukrainian Military League will hold a press conference featuring the UML representatives talking about scaling up the project of psychological and sports rehabilitation of the service members for 2024.

In particular, it is planned to initiate the start of 100 mental health, physical therapy, and sports rehabilitation services centers for the Armed Forces servicemen throughout the country. It is also expected to leverage sporting events, competitions, and championships to enhance military personnel seeking psychological support participation. In particular, these include military veterans, soldiers wounded in action, and those whose transition to civilian life is underway. 

For reference: According to the UML, 1.8 million active duty members and veterans will be looking for mental health assistance after the war ends.

• casualties
• military
• psychological support

22-year-old Pavlo Lehoida was going through mandatory military service when the full-scale invasion started. But after russia attacked Ukraine on February 24, 2022, he joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and served in many directions, in particular, in the South and East of the country.

Pavlo’s brothers in arms found out about his orientation by accident when they saw his conversation on the phone. The soldier says that at first the attitude towards him was quite negative, and he had to listen to a lot of insults. However, he says, now his brothers in arms don’t care about the fact that he is gay.

Pavlo has many plans for the future, which he dreams to fulfill after the victory. The serviceman hopes that a law on civil partnerships will be adopted in Ukraine. After all, a loved one is waiting for him at home. In addition, Pavlo wants to adopt a child.

• military
• LGBT

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion, 56-year-old Volodymyr Hudim worked as a paramilitary guard at the railroad. When the AFU retook his hometown of Kherson from occupying the Russian force in November 2022, Volodymyr and his comrades mobilized and joined the Defense Forces. In the summer of 2023, the soldier was defending positions near Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast, where he suffered his first injury as shrapnel hit his shoulder. The man underwent treatment and soon returned to duty.

In late October 2023, Volodymyr and his fellow soldiers took up combat positions a few kilometers from Klishchiivka near Bakhmut. They were to be replaced in a few days. However, the Russians launched an onslaught, and Volodymyr’s position turned out to be behind enemy lines. One of his comrades had been killed in action the day before, and the rest went in search of water and never returned. And Hudim was left alone without any communication with his comrades because at that time all the radios had already died. The man was hiding in enemy trenches, looking for supplies, collecting rainwater, and melting snow. The fighter also eliminated several Russians he encountered in their own rear.

Volodymyr kept a diary where he wrote down what was happening to him. During 46 days behind enemy lines, he lost a finger due to a wound, and later, in a hospital, his left foot was amputated due to frostbite. Volodymyr was found by Ukrainian soldiers who noticed a trident on his helmet. The man is currently in hospital undergoing rehabilitation.

Additionally: Volodymyr Hudim is ready to have both online and offline interviews, by prior arrangement.

• casualties
• military

The peaceful rallies under the “Don’t be silent. Captivity Kills!” slogan will take place across 14 cities of Ukraine to support Ukrainian prisoners of war. 

The gatherings are to be staged in Zaporizhia, Vinnytsia, and Krolevets (Sumy region) on February 3 and in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Ternopil, Poltava, Kremenchuk, Ovruch, Ivano-Frankivsk, Cherkasy, and Kovel on February 4. 

The events are held by the POWs from the ‘Mariupol’ garrison families. 

For reference: On February 1 this year, during yet another prisoner swap, Ukraine brought 207 Ukrainians back from Russian captivity. The defenders of Mariupol, Kherson, fighters from Snake Island, marines, and combat medics are among the released soldiers. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, 2681 Ukrainian service members and 147 civilians have been returned home through exchanges. More than 8,000 Ukrainians, civilians, and military, are still being held captive by Russia. 

• military
• prisoners

With the onset of the full-blown war, Ihor Kazio, a dentist with 15 years of experience, decided to stay in the capital and help the citizens. Ihor, his father, and brother, who belong to the same profession, provided free-of-charge services when the Russian military convoy closed in on the capital and most medical facilities in Kyiv were closed.

After the invaders were driven out of the Kyiv region, Ihor started looking for ways to help the military who could not leave the front line to see a dentist. This is how the Kazo Mobile Dental project—mobile dentistry in a mobile setting that helps soldiers near the front line, was born. A team of doctors ready to work in the frontline regions was assembled quite quickly: specialists from different cities responded to the call. Each of their trips lasts at least two weeks. Kazo Mobile Dental has already made three visits to the frontline regions and performed dental treatment for more than a thousand soldiers. Now the team is preparing for their next trip, which will take place on February 8.

For reference: Kazo Mobile Dental is ready to communicate with journalists, both online and offline, by prior arrangement.

• doctors
• military
• volunteers

29-year-old Yevhen Koptiaiev volunteered for mobilization in the Defense Forces since the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The soldier fought in the Donetsk sector, where he got seriously injured during an assault. Yevhen was shot through his helmet by an enemy bullet causing an entry wound in his ear and exit in his eye. The bullet also hit the front bones shattering his skull and tearing out his under-eye muscles. With those injuries, Yevhen crawled more than two kilometers to reach Ukrainian counterparts’ positions. The military veteran says he realized how badly he was injured being already halfway to his comrades: trying to touch his nose, his three fingers passed right through the mutilated bones of his skull and jaw.

Yevhen was first treated in Vinnytsia, having reconstructive surgery to his skull: five titanium implants were used for his face reconstruction. After the treatment, Yevhen had to get another one, because one of the plates didn’t adapt to the body defect ultimately leading to the body rejecting the implant and provoking inflammation. So a team of foreign doctors from Face the future Ukraine took over Yevhen’s treatment. The surgeons removed the failed implant, restored the lacrimal glands, and transplanted the man’s skin under the eye. Three months have passed since Yevhen’s last surgery. The wounds on his face have almost healed. Now the veteran has returned to Kryvyi Rih, where his wife and two children live.

For reference: “Face the future Ukraine” is a mission of reconstructive surgeons from Canada and the US, a joint effort of world experts and their Ukrainian colleagues, to restore physical health and aesthetic beauty to those who were disfigured by enemy fire. They also work with soldiers who have suffered injuries to their face and neck at the front line.

• casualties
• doctors
• military