Photo by Lance Reis on Unsplash
A group of Ukrainian military personnel who have lost limbs in the war with Russia are taking part in the 20km run in Brussels today 26th May.
The eight Ukrainian veterans are in Brussels to raise awareness about the well-being and rehabilitation programmes for injured Ukrainian defenders.
All have sustained amputations or serious injuries in the bloody conflict.
During their visit, the veterans will participate in meetings with assorted organisations and institutions such as the Belgian Royal Military Academy. They also me officials from EU institutions and NATO.
All are taking part in the 20 km of Brussels on 26 May, including two who will compete in wheelchairs.
The group includes Roman Kashpur, 27, who told this site, “I strive to show by my own example that amputation is not a sentence, a prosthesis is not a limitation, and disability is merely a record on paper that does not restrict anything.”
Another is Serhiy Kalytiuk, 31, who added, “After being wounded, I had no idea what to do or how to live paralyzed below the chest, moving in a wheelchair.”
“But I strived to be independent and, despite my condition, to be a support for my family. So, from the hospital, I opened the first pages of a new life. I live an active, independent, and happy life, and if I motivate at least one person, inspiring them by my example, I will be very happy and consider it a personal victory.”
Yurii Kozlovskyi, a 42 year old, is also in Brussels and said, “My aspirations extend beyond personal achievements.
“I dream of a swift victory for Ukraine and the reunification of all our territories. Additionally, I advocate for high-quality treatment, rehabilitation, and prosthetics for the wounded, recognizing the collective effort required for the reconstruction and reform of our homeland.”
Support for the visit came from Hotel Indigo Brussels, Clover Group, Europe MédiaLab and individual contributors.
The organisers said, “These courageous individuals who survived the war and are now on a mission to raise awareness about the rehabilitation needs of their fellow veterans.”
This is the second year such a visit is taking place.
