The war in Ukraine has left a lasting impact on countless lives, with many people facing physical and emotional recovery after life-changing injuries.
Veterans returning home often confront new realities, adapting to challenges that reshape their everyday lives.
Their stories reflect resilience and the human capacity to rebuild, even in the face of adversity.
Lost Both Legs in Battle
One story gaining national attention is that of Oleksandr Budko, a 26-year-old veteran who lost both legs in the war.
He recently starred as the lead in Ukraine’s latest season of The Bachelor.
This marked the first time a double amputee has taken on the leading role in the popular reality series.
A November episode featuring Budko in a personal moment with a contestant became one of the most-watched programs in Ukraine, with 2.8 million viewers tuning in.
Anna Kalina, the show’s producer, shared that the decision to feature Budko was met with uncertainty about how audiences would react to seeing someone with visible injuries in such a personal context.
“There is no representation of people with injuries in Ukraine, and we didn’t know how viewers would respond. It was a huge challenge, but it worked,” she said.
Kalina believes the story resonated because of the war’s ongoing toll, which has made such injuries a reality for many families.
For Budko, joining the show was a chance to share his outlook on life. He explained on Instagram that his goal was not to prove anything but to live authentically.
“My prosthetics or wheelchair are just parts of me, not what defines me,” he wrote. “Having a disability doesn’t make me any less worthy of love or happiness.”
He also described his first sexual experience after his injuries as a turning point in his recovery. “It wasn’t just sex; it was a step back toward life,” he shared.
Budko’s story has opened discussions about disabilities in Ukraine, offering a new perspective on life after injury. It stands as a testament to the strength of those who continue to push forward, even under the most difficult circumstances.
