A veteran’s return to an active life begins not only with rehabilitation or prosthetic care, but also with regaining a sense of belonging. That is why, with the support of its partners, grant providers, and patron Vadym Stolar, Future for Ukraine works systematically to help veterans adapt and reintegrate into society after injury and prosthetic treatment.
On July 22, the fifth support group meeting organized jointly by Future for Ukraine and Medical Center Orthotics & Prosthetics (MCOP) Ukraine took place in Kyiv. The meeting focused on “Veterans in local communities: experiences, barriers, and a new culture of interaction.” The program combined an open discussion with sports and recreational activities.
The participants spoke about life after amputation as it is outside a rehabilitation center — at work, on public transport, in public spaces, and among friends and strangers. They also discussed initiatives that local communities could implement to create inclusive and comfortable environments, as well as a culture of interacting with people with limb loss — without pity, but with respect for each person and their experience.
physical therapist MCOP Ukraine Veronika Kravchenko“We discussed challenges that many civilians do not even consider, such as access to public transport, shops, or pharmacies. People who use wheelchairs are often unable to access even basic services,” said Veronika Kravchenko, a physical therapist at MCOP Ukraine who moderated the meeting.
One of the regular participants in the support group is Serhii Litovchenko, a veteran of the 5th Separate Assault Brigade. Originally from the now-occupied city of Lysychansk, Luhansk region, he currently lives with his wife and daughter in Brovary, Kyiv region.
After sustaining a severe injury on the front line, undergoing 24 surgeries, and losing both legs, Serhii admits that returning to the life he had “before” is far from easy. For him, these meetings are first and foremost a source of strength and support.
veteran of the 5th separate assault brigade Serhiy Litovchenko“These meetings matter to me because I can talk to men who have been through similar experiences. Some have already walked the same path as me, while others are only beginning it. We share what we have been through, give one another advice, and support each other,” Serhii shared.
Serhii Litovchenko went to the military enlistment office in his hometown of Lysychansk as soon as russian the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. “They asked me, ‘Do you want to fight?’ I replied, ‘I don’t want to fight. I have no choice,’” he recalled.
He later joined the combat engineer platoon of the 5th Separate Assault Brigade, which subsequently fought in the Battle of Bakhmut.
In October 2022, while stationed near the town of New York in the Donetsk region, Serhii stepped on an enemy mine. His severe injuries resulted in the amputation of both legs.
Today, after lengthy treatment and prosthetic rehabilitation, Serhii walks independently, taking between 7,000 and 9,000 steps a day. He is raising his daughter, supporting wounded service members in hospitals, and choosing to live an active life every day.
He tries not to miss the monthly support group meetings at MCOP Ukraine. In addition to conversations and informative talks, the meetings offer engaging adaptive sports activities, including stand-up paddleboarding and skiing, target shooting, and tennis sessions with prominent guests.
This time, after discussing issues that matter to them, the veterans went sailing on the Dnipro accompanied by a physical therapist and a sailing instructor.
Following a safety briefing, everyone who wished to participate had an opportunity to take the helm and steer the yacht.
Sailing instructor Serhiy Fedorenko“Sailing is accessible to people with different levels of mobility, including those with limb loss. It provides both physical activity and emotional release,” said sailing instructor Serhii Fedorenko.
For Serhii and many other support group participants, this was their first time sailing. Some embraced the excitement of a new experience, while others relaxed as they watched the waves and the horizon. Everyone enjoyed the experience in their own way, surrounded by people united by shared experiences, mutual understanding, and support.
This event was made possible by FFU and MCOP Ukraine, together with the Askold and Dir Foundation (administered by ISAR Ednannia) as part of the “Strong Civil Society of Ukraine - a Driver towards Reforms and Democracy” project, funded by Norway and Sweden.
