Themes by tag: military

A screening of the documentary “Dance With Fire” will take place at the War Museum in Kyiv on May 12.

The film tells the story of Vadym Khlupianets — a ballet performer with the Kyiv National Academic Operetta Theatre who traded the stage for the battlefield and was killed defending Ukraine’s independence.

After the start of russia’s aggression against Ukraine in 2014, Khlupianets was forced to leave his hometown of Donetsk and relocate to the Zhytomyr region. A graduate of the Kyiv Choreographic School, he worked at the Kyiv National Academic Operetta Theatre before joining Ukraine’s defense forces following russia’s full-scale invasion.

He first served in the ranks of Ukraine’s Territorial Defense Forces before later joining the Freedom Legion of the National Guard of Ukraine. Vadym Khlupianets was killed at the age of 26 on Nov. 15, 2022, during battles near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region.

The event will also feature a meeting with the film’s creators, including Memorial Platform co-founder Haiane Avakian and the film’s director, Diana Zhvinklis.

Journalists are required to obtain accreditation.

Background: The screening is organized jointly with the Memorial Platform.

• dead
• military
• Kyiv

Oleksandr Tereshchenko is a Ukrainian Armed Forces veteran who helped defend Donetsk Airport in 2015. He sustained severe injuries in combat and lost his right arm and the hand on his left arm.

Tereshchenko later wrote the book “Life After 16:30,” reflecting on his experiences during prosthetic treatment and rehabilitation. He also launched the project “I Did It — And You Can Too,” a series of 12 video guides offering practical advice on everyday life for people living with amputations. Using his own experience as an example, Tereshchenko demonstrates what to do and how to adapt to daily challenges.

The project is aimed at servicemen and veterans who have recently lost limbs and are still learning how to cope with the changes in their lives.

The veteran is also launching five-day retreats for veterans with bilateral upper-limb amputations and their families. During the retreats, participants will practice essential daily living skills. The nearest sessions are scheduled for May.

Oleksandr Tereshchenko is available for interviews both online and in person in Mykolaiv by prior arrangement.

• casualties
• military
• Mykolaiv

On May 16, a meeting with drone operators from the anti-aircraft missile and artillery division of the 3rd “Spartan” Brigade, 2nd Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine “Khartiia,” will take place at the Khartiia Hub in Dnipro.

During the event, representatives of the UAV unit will discuss a new generation of drone operators, the remote execution of combat missions over long distances, and counter-drone defense.

Participants will also learn about the enemy’s use of Shahed, Lancet, Molniya and Gerbera drones. Servicemen will speak about the daily life of operators, the skills and knowledge required for the role, and how to join the “guardians of the sky.”

Registration is required to attend the event.

• military
• Dnipro

On May 7, Ivan Roman, a patient at the UNBROKEN rehabilitation center in Lviv, will open his own business — an archery sports club — together with his wife, Larysa. Roman lost a leg, an arm and part of his eyesight in the war.

The 38-year-old from the Mykolaiv region first joined Ukraine’s defense back in 2014. In January 2024, he was serving as a driver in an aerial reconnaissance unit. He was transporting fellow soldiers to positions when an enemy FPV drone struck the windshield.

Despite severe injuries, during rehabilitation he tried archery and became passionate about the sport. He learned to draw the bowstring with his teeth and to shoot accurately. The veteran now actively competes and aims to join Ukraine’s national Paralympic team.

The idea to open the club was sparked by Roman’s participation in the ReStart program, “From Idea to Veteran Business” — a free business course for patients of the UNBROKEN Center. The course teaches participants how to develop a business plan, understand finance and taxation, explore grant opportunities, and build communication skills.

After completing the course, Ivan and Larysa applied for a grant, won the competition, and secured funding for equipment.

At their club, the Romans plan to develop adaptive sports, working with veterans and also creating a separate section for visually impaired people.

Journalists are invited to attend the opening, where they will have an opportunity to speak with the founders, tour the new inclusive sports space, and see Ivan demonstrate his archery skills.

Media accreditation is required.

• casualties
• culture
• military
• Lviv

Vadym Letunov, 34, is a corporal serving with Ukraine’s 118th Separate Mechanized Brigade. In late February, heavy enemy shelling destroyed his position and killed one of his comrades. Barefoot, Letunov managed to reach the nearest surviving dugout — only to discover it was occupied by a russian soldier, a former prisoner mobilized to fight against Ukraine.

Because the occupier was armed, Letunov effectively became his captive. Realizing that survival depended on gaining the soldier’s trust, he spent two weeks carefully navigating the situation. According to Letunov, the russian soldier showed severe mood swings and repeatedly threatened to execute him.

Conditions inside the dugout were extreme. Food and water were nearly gone, and Ukrainian command had already informed Letunov’s mother that he was presumed dead.

Over time, Letunov convinced the russian soldier that their only chance of survival was to surrender to Ukrainian forces. When supplies finally ran out, the two moved toward Ukrainian positions.

To avoid being mistaken for the enemy by Ukrainian drones, Letunov made a sign displaying his call sign and brigade number. When a Ukrainian drone appeared overhead, he dropped to his knees beside the sign to identify himself.

Ukrainian troops first delivered food, water, and a radio by drone. Shortly afterward, an armored vehicle arrived, evacuating Letunov and taking the russian soldier into captivity. Letunov is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Odesa after losing a toe due to gangrene caused by the conditions in the dugout.

Vadym Letunov is available for interviews online or in person in Odesa by prior arrangement and with approval from his press officer.

• casualties
• military
• prisoners
• russian crimes
• Odesa

Before russia’s full-scale invasion, Taras Ostapchuk worked in electrical installation. Back in 2017, he learned to operate drones, which he used to inspect streetlight poles. After February 24, 2022, he used the same drones to fly over the Kyiv region, assisting military intelligence. Later, he joined aerial reconnaissance himself.

Ostapchuk noted that soldiers were forced to manually carry anti-tank mines, despite the additional risk to their lives. This led him to develop the idea of robotic kamikaze systems designed to deliver explosives instead of humans. The project later expanded, and today Ratel Robotics produces a wide range of ground-based robotic systems — from remote mine-laying to logistics and evacuation support.

He invested all his savings — about $270,000 — into the first 50 robots and donated the technology to the front lines free of charge. Today, the project employs more than 200 people, and its main client is the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

Taras Ostapchuk is available for interviews both online and in person by prior arrangement.

• military

On May 2, a rally in support of prisoners of war and those missing will take place in Bucha, Kyiv region, under the title “Voices of Silence.”

Such peaceful gatherings have been held in the city since early 2026. Everyone who cares is encouraged to join to support Ukrainian defenders and their families, who are waiting every day for their loved ones to return.

Background: The rallies are organized by the NGO Voices of Silence, founded by the wives, mothers, sisters, and children of those who went missing while defending Ukraine.

• military
• prisoners
• Kyiv

Five Ukrainian veterans will participate in the international open-water swimming competition Oceanman Lago d’Orta (Italy). They will compete in the 2 km and 5.5 km distances.

All members of the team are veterans with amputations and severe injuries. Each has gone through war, prolonged medical treatment, and rehabilitation. They are currently preparing for the international competition and train four times a week.

Team Members:

• Ivan Khalupa — veteran of the 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade. He lost a leg in combat. Swimming became part of his systematic rehabilitation. He has experience in international competitions.
• Ihor Oliinyk — veteran of the 67th Separate Mechanized Brigade. He began swimming after being wounded to restore psychological balance.
• Serhii Khrapko — lost an arm and a leg in 2015. Member of the national Invictus Games team and a participant in the national selection for the Warrior Games.
• Volodymyr Shanayda — was wounded in 2023. After a year of treatment, he began swimming. Oceanman will be his first international competition.
• Ihor Bystryi — combat veteran since 2016. He was wounded in 2022 by a cluster munition. After rehabilitation, he continues his sports training.

The project aims to support veterans’ participation in an international sporting event and highlight the role of sport in physical and psychological rehabilitation. It promotes the development of veteran sports and raises awareness of recovery through sport.

By prior arrangement, journalists may cover training sessions in Kyiv.

Background: The project is implemented by the charitable foundation YANKO Fund. Logistical support is provided by the concierge service FlyPoint. The team trains under the supervision of medical specialists, coaches, and rehabilitation professionals. The Oceanman organizing committee has provided the athletes with complimentary entry passes for the competition.

• casualties
• culture
• military
• Kyiv

Olha and Serhii Hrianyk’s son, Oleksandr Hrianyk, joined the Azov Brigade shortly after graduating from university. From 2015, he served near Mariupol.

Later, Oleksandr joined a sniper unit known as “Znaky.” In early February 2022, he left military service and set off for the Carpathian Mountains, as he had always loved hiking.

However, when russia launched its full-scale invasion, he immediately returned to the military. He took part in battles in the Kyiv region and sought to rejoin his comrades in Mariupol. When Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) offered him the opportunity to join a special operation in the besieged city, he agreed immediately. Oleksandr was wounded on his first day in Mariupol but continued defending the city for another month.

He was killed when russian forces used white phosphorus munitions against the Azovstal steel plant, where Ukrainian defenders were holding out. His mother learned of his death through social media.

On the anniversary of his death, his father, together with Oleksandr’s friends, climbed Mount Hoverla. Around 150 people responded to the call to join the hike, leading his parents to realize that the initiative was needed, as it supports those who have lost loved ones in the war.

Today, families of fallen service members continue to join Olha and Serhii on these hikes.

Interviews with Serhii and Olha can be arranged online or in person upon request.

• dead
• military
• russian crimes

A rehabilitation sailing trip will begin in Greece on May 9, bringing together 25 Ukrainian service members with amputations as well as former prisoners of war. Participants will cover around 200 nautical miles.

“Titans Under Sail” is a charitable project that offers Ukrainian defenders physical and psychological rehabilitation through sailing.

During the seven-day journey, participants learn to operate a catamaran, face the challenges of the open sea and work as a team. The experience helps restore mobility and supports psychological recovery and reintegration.

Media can cover the sailing rehabilitation program online or in person in Athens, Greece. Interviews with participants and organizers are available upon request, and photo and video materials can also be provided.

Background: In 2025, similar rehabilitation sailing trips took place in the Canary Islands, Greece and Croatia. The project is run by the NGO Titans Under Sail.

• casualties
• culture
• military
• prisoners