Themes by tag: military

In 2014, Pavlo Dolynskyi became one of the active participants of the Revolution of Dignity, and when the russians annexed Crimea, he joined the Ukrainian Volunteer Corps “Right Sector.” Pavlo took part in the battles near Krasnohorivka, Avdiivka, Savur-Mohyla and Pisky. Later he defended the Donetsk airport, where Pavlo, together with his brothers in arms, was ambushed by the enemy. The fighter left the vicinity of the airport by himself. At the time Pavlo received 12 wounds – four gunshot and 8 shrapnel injuries, in addition, the soldier had a concussion.

After returning to civilian life, Pavlo decided to start his own business and build a comfort-class residential complex in the capital. Pavlo worked on the plan for two years, looked for funds, made sketches, and in 2019, his team finally laid the foundation and began construction.

After russia started the full-scale war in Ukraine, Pavlo joined the territorial defense forces in Kyiv region, and now he is fighting in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Despite actively participating in hostilities, the man decided to continue construction and applied for a grant from the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation. Pavlo’s application won the contest, the military man received funding and directed the funds to finish the residential complex. The target audience of the project is veterans, their family members and forced refugees who need housing in Kyiv.

For reference: Pavlo Dolynskyi is on the front lines. The serviceman is ready to communicate with journalists, both online and offline, by prior arrangement.

February 24, 2024 marks 2 years since the beginning of russia’s illegal full-scale invasion. This attack became the culmination of the war of aggression, which the russian federation has been waging against Ukraine for 10 years. This war began on February 20, 2014, when the russians invaded the territory of the Ukrainian Crimea without identification marks and occupied the peninsula. After that, russia started a war in the east of Ukraine.

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Viacheslav Levytskyi, a 40-year-old native of the Odesa region, led a quiet life as a delivery driver before he joined the country’s defense at the outbreak of a full-blown war.

In the Donetsk region near Avdiivka, Levytskyi sustained severe injuries as bullets tore through his legs and torso. Despite his wounds, he spent seven days navigating the treacherous gray zone. But his ordeal was far from over. Captured by Russian forces and their collaborators, Levytskyi endured three days without any medical assistance in the occupied areas of Donetsk. From there, he was whisked away by Chechen captors to Grozny, where the extent of his injuries became tragically apparent. Gangrene had ravaged his legs, while his hands bore the cruel scars of frostbite, necessitating their amputation.

For three and a half months, Levytskyi languished in captivity, his whereabouts unknown to his worried mother. But against all odds, he was eventually exchanged. He is now at the Superhumans center in Lviv, Levytskyi is undergoing intensive rehabilitation. With prosthetic legs affixed, he’s learning to walk anew, while preparations are underway for prosthetic arms.

• casualties
• military
• prisoners
• Lviv

When Mykola Iliichuk found himself face to face with the harsh reality of a full-scale enemy invasion during his fifth year at Bukovinian State Medical University, he didn’t hesitate to answer the call to arms. Offered a chance to join the Donbas battalion, he dove headfirst into the fray, defending Ukraine’s eastern frontier. Despite being thrust into the role of a mortar operator, Mykola remained true to his roots in medicine. Armed with essential supplies, he stood ready to provide critical first aid to his fellow soldiers at a moment’s notice.

Today, Mykola serves as a combat medic within the prominent Ukrainian army unit Da Vinci Wolves Battalion, all while continuing his studies remotely. Despite the challenges of war, he remains determined to expand his medical expertise. While primarily focused on intensive care skills on the frontline, his ultimate aspiration is to perform surgery. Whenever possible, he eagerly assists in operating rooms, where he works tirelessly to save the lives of his comrades.

For reference: Mykola Iliichuk is currently stationed in Lviv and welcomes interviews with journalists, both in-person and online, with prior arrangement.

• doctors
• military
• Lviv

Oleksii Yukov leads the search squad for the “Platsdarm” Association of Military and Historical Heritage Researchers. Since 2014, Yukov and his team have been dedicated to locating and recovering the remains of fallen Ukrainians, whether they be military personnel or civilians. Yukov’s commitment to this mission is unwavering, as evidenced by his near-death encounter with occupiers in 2014 while carrying out his duties.

Operating amidst gunfire and facing the danger of the enemy frequently booby-traping the corpses of fallen, Yukov and his team encounter grim scenes, often discovering bodies that have been subjected to torture or mangled by passing vehicles and enemy tanks. 

Notably, the team undertook a search for bodies underneath rubble at the Kramatorsk tragedy site, where a Russian Tochka-U missile struck the city’s railway station on April 8, 2022. This devastating attack claimed the lives of 61 individuals and left 121 others injured.

Currently, the search team remains active in the eastern region of the country.

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.

• dead
• military
• volunteers
• evacuation

During his younger years, Dmytro Martynenko delved into entrepreneurship, leasing a cafe, and running his own business. However, in 2014, following his stint in the army, he initially deployed in the infantry and later transitioned to artillery duties. By 2015, Martynenko resumed civilian life, channeling his dedication into the “Kyiv City Union of ATO Veterans of Podil District,” eventually rising to its leadership.

As the full-scale invasion by Russia commenced, he once more answered the call to defend his homeland. He valiantly defended the Kyiv region before engaging in battles in the Zaporizhia and Kherson sectors.

In 2022, Dmytro and an NGO team established a coffee shop in Kyiv named “A Quiet Place.” Their brainchild initially a single coffee shop in Kyiv, has since burgeoned into a chain with three locations in the capital and plans for a fourth in the Kyiv region. Martynenko’s mission is clear: to provide places of serenity where customers can find solace amidst the chaos of everyday life.

But this venture isn’t just about coffee. Profits from the cafes are funneled into supporting the Kyiv City Union of ATO Veterans of Podil District, aiding both military personnel and civilians. Moreover, Martynenko and his team have implemented a unique system of QR codes in the cafes, which volunteers and defenders can utilize to access complimentary items or services, ranging from camouflage nets and trench candles to English lessons.

Journalists have the opportunity to interview Dmytro, who is presently located in the capital.

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.

• 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

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