Themes by tag: military

The Doctors for Heroes charity project is dedicated to helping both military personnel and civilians by performing facial and head reconstructive surgeries following severe injuries. To date, the initiative has enrolled 240 soldiers and two civilians in its program.

Through a collaboration of surgeons and bioengineers, all medical services are provided free of charge to patients. However, the reconstruction of lost skull bones requires the creation of specialized implants. The Doctors for Heroes Charity Foundation funds the production of these implants for each participant. It raises donations from philanthropists, organizes case support throughout treatment, and ensures that funds are used responsibly and effectively.

The project is also expanding into the field of eye prosthetics and ecto prosthetics.

By prior arrangement, journalists are welcome to speak with the project’s organizers, doctors, and patients in Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine.

• casualties
• doctors
• military
• Kyiv

Ihor Shyshko, a resident of Kharkiv, joined the Defense Forces at the beginning of the full-scale invasion,  although he had the opportunity to refuse to serve because he is a father of many children.

In March 2022, he was captured by russian forces. During 801 days of captivity, he endured torture, beatings, and starvation. He lost over 50 kilograms. In May 2024, Ihor was finally released in a prisoner exchange and returned home.

After his release, he founded a support center for soldiers returning from captivity or suffering from injuries.

The main goal of the “Shoulder to Shoulder” center is to help veterans reintegrate into civilian life. The center provides psychological and legal assistance, as well as various engagement programs to help veterans find new career paths in civilian life.

You can contact Ihor Shyshko either online or in person by prior arrangement.

• casualties
• military
• prisoners
• psychological support
• russian crimes

From February 14 to 16, Ukrainian Railways is bringing back its “Train to You” romantic express, offering Ukrainian military personnel and their loved ones a unique railway experience.  

This year’s journey promises an unforgettable ride, with vintage steam locomotives setting the scene for a special celebration in both Kyiv and Lviv. The trip will last just over two hours, giving couples time to enjoy a private compartment with romantic music and a themed game designed for two. A charming tea party is also planned, along with special gifts for those traveling on Valentine’s Day, February 14.  

• culture
• military
• Kyiv
• Lviv

Peaceful events are planned in 25 cities across Ukraine to raise awareness of the defenders of Azovstal and other soldiers still in enemy captivity.

On February 8, rallies will be held in Ochyrka, Chernihiv, Vinnytsia, Irpin, Poltava, Dnipro, Zaporizhia and Pavlohrad.

On February 9, peaceful actions are scheduled in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Pivdenoukrainsk, Uman, Krolevets, Korop, Ovruch, Korosten, Kremenchuk, Uzhhorod, Mykolaiv, Ostroh, Obukhiv, Berdychiv, Chernivtsi and Kropyvnytskyi.

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.

• casualties
• military
• prisoners
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

Anastasiia Buhera was with her parents in Izium, Kharkiv oblast, when russia launched its full-scale invasion. She had come home for the holidays as she was studying at a university in Kharkiv at the time.

During the occupation, she witnessed firsthand the devastation russian forces inflicted on the captured city. She counted how many bombs were dropped on Izium every hour and understood the extreme danger of even going out to buy bread, knowing that each trip could be her last.

Anastasiia managed to escape the occupation after five months. When she returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory, she learned that her boyfriend, Kostiantyn, who had been in Mariupol defending Azovstal in February 2022, had been captured by the enemy.

The last time Anastasiia spoke to him was on April 24, 2022 – he sent her photos and videos and promised to return home. Now she waits for Kostiantyn and does everything she can to make sure the world does not forget those still held in russian captivity.

Anastasiia Buhera is available for interviews in the Kharkiv oblast, both online and in person, by prior arrangement.

• military
• occupation
• prisoners
• russian crimes
• women
• Kharkiv

Volodymyr Dovhan, a veteran of the ATO, has been working with clay since 1991. Together with his wife, Oksana, he runs an artisan pottery studio in the Kyiv region. In late 2022, the couple received financial support from the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation through the VARTO 2.0 program. With this funding, they expanded their workshop in 2023 to host rehabilitation sessions for wounded soldiers.

At the pottery wheel, veterans craft everything from bowls to sculptures. Beyond the creative process, clay therapy helps them, as one veteran put it, “regain their sense of self.”

Looking ahead, the couple plans to establish an art residency where veterans can not only practice pottery but also stay for a period of time.

Journalists can arrange interviews with Volodymyr and Oksana in advance and, if possible, cover the workshops.

• casualties
• culture
• military
• Kyiv

Liudmyla and Ihor lived in the Lviv oblast and raised two sons. When the full-scale invasion began, Ihor did not hesitate to join the Ukrainian Armed Forces, even though he had no previous military experience.

A month after Ihor went to war, his father died. A few months later, Liudmyla’s uncle also died, and just three weeks after that, she suffered another devastating loss — her mother died of cancer.

Ihor served in the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade of Galicia, where he carried out duties as both a soldier and a medic. His unit participated in the liberation of Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts, as well as in intense battles near Kreminna and Bakhmut. In one of these battles Ihor was killed.

The loss of their father was very hard for the children. Their eldest son, who was six at the time, became withdrawn, he often cried remembering his father, grandmother and grandfather. There were moments when he lost interest in life altogether, answering every question with “I don’t care” or “I want to go to daddy in heaven”.

For Liudmyla, this was the time of her greatest trial. In March 2024, the family suffered another loss: her stepfather, who had been a wonderful grandfather to the children, died. It felt as if she had no strength left. But eventually Liudmyla realized an essential truth: in order to give to others, you must first restore yourself.

She turned to psychologists, doctors, and to God. Thanks to various charitable foundations and NGOs, the family attended psychological and spiritual camps and retreats. This helped Liudmyla and her children to return to life.

Background: The charitable foundation Children of Heroes is currently assisting Liudmyla’s family. The foundation assists children who have lost one or both parents to the full-scale russian invasion. It provides financial assistance, psychological and legal support, and helps with education and personal development until the children reach adulthood.

• dead
• military
• women
• Lviv

Peaceful rallies are set to take place in 27 cities across Ukraine to honor and advocate for the defenders of Azovstal and other military personnel still held in enemy captivity.

On February 1, events will be held in Okhtyrka, Chernihiv, Vinnytsia, Pavlysh, Dnipro, Zaporizhia, Bila Tserkva, Obukhiv, Lviv, and Pavlohrad.

The following day, February 2, actions will unfold in Kyiv, Pivdenoukrainsk, Uman, Krolevets, Ovruch, Korosten, Kremenchuk, Uzhhorod, Mykolaiv, Rivne, Berdychiv, Dolyna, Shostka, Brovary, Odesa, Chernivtsi, and Kropyvnytskyi.

These events are organized by the families of prisoners of war from the Mariupol garrison. Often, Ukrainians who have been released from captivity also join in solidarity.

• casualties
• military
• prisoners
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

Artem Kychko, a war veteran and holder of the Order “For Courage” of the III degree, has dedicated himself to supporting his fellow military personnel and veterans. A 4th Dan Black Belt in taekwondo and a Brazilian jiu-jitsu Purple Belt, Kychko is also a multiple-time Ukrainian champion and vice-world champion in taekwondo.

Thanks to the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation, Kychko received vital support for the reconstruction of a sports club in Kyiv. His vision for the club is clear: to create a space where military personnel, veterans, and individuals with disabilities can benefit from rehabilitation and recovery services through sports.

Currently, Artem is focused on equipping the club with inclusive restrooms, ensuring accessibility for all who come to train and recover.

For context, over the past three years, the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation has backed more than 322 veteran-led business projects, totaling UAH 431.7 million in support. Additionally, around 44,000 individuals have benefited from the services provided by the Foundation’s Crisis and Legal Support Hotline.

• casualties
• military
• Kyiv

On January 31, Ukraine’s national Invictus Games team will depart for the 2025 international adaptive sports competition.

For the past six months, 35 team members have been training in selected sports disciplines to represent Ukraine at the Games, which will take place in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, from February 8 to 16.

Before their departure, organizers will hold a formal send-off ceremony, during which the athletes will receive their official competition uniforms. The event will also mark the launch of the national campaign Will is My Strength.

Media accreditation for the event is required by 7:00 p.m. on January 30.

For reference: The selection and preparation of Ukraine’s 2025 national team are overseen by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, in collaboration with the StratCom Ukraine Centre for Strategic Communications, the Come Back Alive NGO, and the Invictus Games Ukraine NGO. The initiative is part of the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Environment in Ukraine, spearheaded by First Lady Olena Zelenska.

Founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, the Invictus Games is an international sporting event for veterans and active-duty military personnel who have been wounded, injured, or fallen ill in the line of duty.

• casualties
• military
• Kyiv