We continue sharing the stories of veterans participating in the Go to the Future-2026 charity run. Two defenders from different parts of Ukraine — different personalities, different paths, different stories of loss and recovery. But a shared decision to move forward every day has led them to new professional achievements.
Ivan Artiukh, veteran of the "Fury" Brigade
Before the russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ivan worked as a police investigator in his hometown of Siverskodonetsk. In 2022, he joined the National Police battalion "Luhansk-1," which later became the "Fury" Brigade. He fought in the Luhansk region, took part in the de-occupation of the Kharkiv region, and in battles for Bakhmut and Klishchiivka.
In April 2024, near Chasiv Yar, the soldier sustained an explosive injury to his right leg from an enemy drone drop. Due to gangrene, he had to undergo 15 surgeries — yet just three weeks later, Ivan began looking for ways to return to sports.
"Sport has always been part of my life: running, football, swimming, hitting the gym three times a week," he says. His first step was amputee football with FC "Shakhtar Stalevi." And just two months after receiving prosthetics through a grant program from the Government of Iceland at the Future for Ukraine foundation, Ivan returned to competitive sport.
Today, he holds 4 gold medals in para-swimming at the international veterans' competition, Air Force and Marine Corps Trials 2026. The defender dreams of competing at the Paralympic Games in 2028, knowing from personal experience that sometimes only a few months of daily self-work stand between a dream and a victory.
Vladyslav Kurilov, veteran of the National Guard of Ukraine
Vladyslav was 22 years old when the full-scale war began, and his hometown of Izium fell under russian occupation. Covering 70 kilometers of the grey zone by bicycle, he made his way by train to Ivano-Frankivsk, where he found shelter. In 2023, he and a friend voluntarily enlisted in the National Guard of Ukraine.
Already during his second combat mission, Vlad came under sniper fire. Wounded in the collarbone, he did not leave his position — he continued saving his comrades until he himself stepped on a mine. Twenty-eight hours passed from the moment of injury to the stabilization point, and throughout that entire time, tourniquets were applied to both of Vladyslav's legs. The defender lost both legs, but he survived — and that is his greatest motivation!
In 2024, Vladyslav Kurilov underwent prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation through the Future for Ukraine foundation program in the United States, implemented with the support of donors, grantors, and patron Vadym Stolar.
Within just 4 months, he had mastered his prosthetics and now spends up to 10 hours a working day with them.
Today, Vlad works as a patient relations manager at the Ukrainian office of the Medical Center Orthotics & Prosthetics — center where he was fitted with his own prosthetics.
Through his own example, he supports other veterans. "You just have to keep going, and with time it gets easier," he says.
On June 7, Vladyslav and Ivan will take part in the charity run Go to the Future-2026 to inspire other veterans on their path to recovery after injury through their own example.
Support the defenders who are returning to life after losing a limb — join the Go to the Future 2026 run at VDNG or online, wherever is convenient for you! Registration and participation details are available on the website.
