IVANO-FRANKIVSK — October 20, 2025. A practical masterclass titled “Life After Amputation: Everyday Self-Sufficiency and Adaptation” took place at the “Mriya Diya” (Dream Action) veteran space, operating under the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Clinical Hospital. The keynote speaker of the event was Oleksandr Tereshchenko, a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war and a legendary defender of the Donetsk Airport.

Oleksandr sustained severe injuries in October 2014 during the defense of the Donetsk Airport. While attempting to save his comrades, he grabbed an enemy grenade that exploded directly in his hands. As a result of the blast, the soldier lost both hands and suffered a serious eye injury. Despite this, Oleksandr not only adapted to his new life but also became a motivator for thousands of other service members.

“Life after amputation doesn’t necessarily have to be worse. It will, of course, be different. Some things must be given up… but new opportunities emerge,” the veteran emphasized during the meeting.

The primary goal of the masterclass was to teach wounded fighters how to remain autonomous in their daily lives. Oleksandr demonstrated to the participants—including veterans in rehabilitation, medical students, and police officers—how to perform daily tasks using both bionic and mechanical prostheses.

During the event, Oleksandr Tereshchenko demonstrated:

• Self-care: How to shave, brush teeth, and put on socks independently.

• Cooking skills: The secrets to preparing food (e.g., frying eggs) and making coffee using prostheses.

• Maintenance: Specifics of residual limb care and technical maintenance of the devices.

Special attention was given to the psychological aspect. Oleksandr shared his personal journey: at the start of his rehabilitation in Ukraine and abroad, he was taught to “stack blocks,” but not the basics—like how to use the restroom or wash himself independently. “When I was first able to take care of myself in the bathroom, it was true happiness. Independence is built from such small things,” he noted.

The event was held as part of the project “Peer-to-Peer: Supporting Veterans with Amputations,” implemented with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation. Project manager Natalia Kratiuk presented specialized printed guides for veterans. Oleksandr also introduced his book, “Life After 16:30,” and a video guide series titled “I Could — and So Can You,” which helps veterans master household skills step-by-step.

The meeting took place in the warm atmosphere of the “Mriya Diya” veteran space. Public activist Andriy Yakubenko, who also has an arm amputation, presented Oleksandr with a flag from the NGO “Love Your Fate” as a token of gratitude.

Patrol police representative Oleksandra Babetska shared her impressions, highlighting the importance of respecting a veteran’s autonomy rather than offering mere pity. Oleksandr Tereshchenko himself called for a shift in societal attitude: “Sympathy often hurts more than indifference. We don’t need ‘sweet talk’ — we need respect.”

Currently, the project team is continuing its tour across Ukraine. Following Ivano-Frankivsk, meetings are scheduled in Lviv, Dnipro, and Kyiv. According to Oleksandr, his main goal is to provide his brothers-in-arms with practical tools so they can say: “I did it.”

Our meetings with veterans with amputations are always held in an informal and friendly atmosphere. This was also the case at Khutorivka in Lviv. While the administration of the rehabilitation center was hosting a foreign delegation, our veteran trainers with amputations were helping newcomers with recent injuries prepare for prosthetics.

The meeting began in the sports hall, where exercise machines were moved to the sides, and our mobile “cinema” was quickly set up to screen the video tips “I Did It – and So Can You.” The hall was packed, so after introductions and a short presentation of the project “Peer-to-Peer: Supporting Veterans with Amputations,” participants moved to another location — the occupational therapists’ office.

There, Oleksandr Shvetsov and Yevhen Tyurin worked with veterans who had lower-limb amputations, explaining the different features of leg prosthetics and showing their own. Meanwhile, Oleksandr Tereshchenko unpacked his backpack full of useful items and shared life hacks for living without arms. After the veterans asked their questions and filled out questionnaires, the occupational therapists continued professional discussions with Oleksandr, and physiotherapist Dmytro kept him engaged for another hour.

With each new meeting, we are increasingly convinced of the urgent need for direct, practical communication between veterans with amputations who already have experience living with prosthetics and those who are only preparing for this stage. After all, no one understands better than a peer who has already walked this path — peer-to-peer, about what truly matters.

The project is implemented with the support of
The International Renaissance Foundation

Project partners

• The Fund for Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities
• Docua-platform
• New Donbas
• Public Union “Modern View”
• The National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine
• The Coalition of Veteran Spaces

On October 17, 2025, a meeting was held at the Halychyna Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center in Velykyi Liubin, Lviv region, as part of the project “Peer-to-Peer: Supporting Veterans with Amputations.” This event was the third in a series of meetings organized to support veterans undergoing rehabilitation after amputations.

The project’s mentors, veterans Oleksandr Tereshchenko (bilateral arm amputation) and Yevhen Tyurin (high leg amputation), shared their personal experiences of overcoming life’s challenges. Oleksandr, who has professional experience at the Police Academy and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, and Yevhen, a participant in the international Invictus Games, demonstrated that an active and fulfilling life after amputation is possible.

The meeting began with a screening of the video “I Did It – and So Can You,” which offered practical advice for everyday life without limbs. Participants saw how to perform household tasks such as brushing teeth or making a bed, even in the absence of limbs.

Afterward, the veterans split into two groups. Yevhen Tyurin led a workshop for those preparing for leg prosthetics, demonstrating proper walking techniques and emphasizing the importance of training. Oleksandr Tereshchenko worked with veterans with arm amputations, teaching them how to perform daily tasks without prosthetics.

The event format included live communication, practical exercises, and experience sharing. Participants actively asked questions, shared their stories, and received useful recommendations. To support further analysis and the development of methodological materials, a participant survey was conducted, and the meeting was recorded on video.

 

Project manager Natalka Kratyuk presented a collection of original practical tips “I Did It – and So Can You” along with a handbook on obtaining rehabilitation aids through the state program. These materials were handed over to the Rehabilitation Center for further use.

The meeting concluded in a warm atmosphere, thanks to Oleksandr Tereshchenko’s characteristic sense of humor. As a symbol of brotherhood and recognition, he presented Yevhen Tyurin with the Foundation’s signature coin.

The project is implemented with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation and partner organizations: the Fund for Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities, Docua-platform, New Donbas, the Public Union “Modern View,” the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine, and the Coalition of Veteran Spaces.

On August 6, 2025, a workshop was held at the “Tytanovi” Cultural Center, becoming an important event for veterans with amputations and their families. The event was organized within the framework of the project “Peer-to-Peer: Supporting Veterans with Amputations” with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation and a number of partner organizations.

Oleksandr Tereshchenko, a veteran and public figure, conducted a two-hour workshop dedicated to adapting life after amputations. Participants had the opportunity to learn practical tips that help overcome everyday challenges and lead an active life. The event began with a screening of the video “I Did It – and So Can You,” in which Tereshchenko demonstrates simple and accessible ways to perform daily tasks such as shaving, driving a car, or gardening.

Special attention was given to the topic of organizing travel. Oleksandr showed how to properly pack a backpack so that everything necessary is within reach, and shared life hacks for independent living without prosthetics. Participants also saw how to put on socks or take selfies without assistive devices — skills that for many have become symbols of independence.

 

A highlight of the event was the introduction of another veteran named Oleksandr, who has similar amputations. He shared how Tereshchenko’s video advice helped him adapt to new living conditions. By watching the “I Did It – and So Can You” channel, he learned to perform basic household tasks, such as brushing his teeth without prosthetics.

The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session, during which participants asked questions about adapting daily routines, effective life hacks, and motivation for everyday progress. Oleksandr Tereshchenko once again emphasized that the key to success is the desire to live fully and strive for change.

The “Peer-to-Peer” project is an important initiative aimed at supporting veterans with amputations. Thanks to the partnership support of the Fund for Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities, the Public Union “Modern View,” the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine, the Coalition of Veteran Spaces, and the Ukrainian Documentary Platform, this event once again proved: life after amputation can be not only fulfilling but also happy.