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.”