On a basketball court in Kyiv, players in wheelchairs move quickly, passing the ball back and forth while their prosthetic limbs rest on the sidelines.
These athletes are all Ukrainian service members and veterans, many of whom were wounded in battle.
They are training for the Invictus Games, an international competition for injured soldiers that provides them with an opportunity to heal, connect, and challenge themselves.
Founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, the Invictus Games were created to bring wounded service members together through sport.
The event fosters a sense of community while helping participants regain confidence and mobility after sustaining life-changing injuries.
This year’s games will take place in Canada from February 8–14, with Ukraine sending 35 athletes.
Nearly 400,000 have been injured
Among them is Valerii Odainyk, a sapper with the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, who lost both legs and several fingers in a mine explosion in January 2023.
He is preparing to compete in wheelchair basketball, rugby, and sitting volleyball. He says adapting to his injuries has been difficult, but training has helped him regain control over his body and mind.
The physical and mental toll of war affects thousands of Ukrainian soldiers, according to Kyiv Independent.
Estimates suggest that nearly 400,000 have been injured since the full-scale invasion began, leaving many unable to return to the front line.
Ukraine currently has 1.3 million veterans, with 80% of them being former mobilized soldiers.
For Odainyk and others, the games offer more than just a competition.
Psychologist Olga Semenova, who works with the Ukrainian team, says that training allows veterans to reconnect with their bodies and find a sense of purpose.
Many remain in touch outside of practice, forming friendships that extend beyond the games.
Another participant, Alla Senchenko, is preparing for her first competition, where she will race in the skeleton event.
A former soldier, she spent over eight months in Russian captivity after being captured in Donetsk Oblast in 2022.
She believes the games are a way to reclaim control over her body and future.
Despite these efforts, life after service can be isolating.
Many Ukrainian cities lack infrastructure for people with disabilities, making daily life difficult for veterans. Odainyk hopes to help change that by raising awareness and advocating for accessibility.
Ukraine has participated in the Invictus Games five times, but many veterans remain unaware of the opportunity.
Organizers hope to change this by expanding outreach and ensuring that those who have served know they are not forgotten.
