Soldier Vladyslav Beloshytskyi

I am a Ukrainian, a son, a brother, an athlete, and a serviceman who stood up to defend his country from the first months of the full-scale war.

On April 14, 2022, I was conscripted into the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. After training in Zhytomyr, two weeks of preparation, and taking the oath, I set off to carry out combat missions. I first served in Mykolaiv Oblast, and later found myself at the front line in Donetsk Oblast.

At that time none of us knew what tomorrow would bring. But each of us knew what we were standing on this land for.

On May 5, while carrying out a combat mission in the village of Shandryholove, I sustained a severe injury — an extremely complex spinal trauma. First aid was provided to me by my fellow soldier from my hometown — Serhii Naumenko. I am certain: it is thanks to him that I am able to tell my story today.

After evacuation, a long fight for life began. Dnipro, several complex surgeries, then Lviv. I spent almost nine months in hospitals.

In such moments it seems as though the world has stopped. But my family was by my side. My mother, brother, sister, goddaughter Violeta, and close ones did not allow me to give up. I relearned how to live. I learned to move in a wheelchair, to take care of myself independently, underwent lengthy rehabilitation, and every day took small steps toward a new life.

After returning home and being discharged from service, I found myself in sport. It would seem that after everything I had been through, one could have given up. But I decided otherwise.

I began training, participated in regional and all-Ukrainian competitions, and in 2025 represented Ukraine at the European Para Arm Wrestling Championship, where I won third place.

But life had prepared yet another trial for me. Due to pressure sores I lost two lower limbs. This was yet another blow. Yet another fight. Yet another moment when everything had to be started from the beginning.

But the war taught me the most important thing — never to give up.

Today I am once again going through a difficult path of recovery. In order to return to an active life, continue engaging in sport, be a support for my family, and remain strong, I need specialized rehabilitation at the “AGAPE UKRAINE” rehabilitation center.

Unfortunately, the cost of such treatment and recovery is extremely high, and my family cannot manage these expenses on its own.

Thank you for helping me not to lose faith.

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Thanks to the project “Support for Families of Veterans with Disabilities. Recovery and Rehabilitation,” implemented by the Citizen Charity Foundation within the “Capable and Strong” program, carried out by the East Europe Foundation with the assistance of Switzerland, Vladyslav Beloshytskyi was already able to complete a specialized rehabilitation course at the “AGAPE UKRAINE” rehabilitation center.

During the course, Vladyslav followed a supportive therapy program. The rehabilitation was aimed at maintaining functional mobility, preserving self-care skills, and increasing overall strength and endurance. The program included individual therapeutic exercises and muscle strength and endurance training.

In addition to working with the veteran, an important component of the project was the support of his family. 

Family members received practical consultations regarding:

  • care, prevention, and treatment of pressure sores; 
  • proper wound care and the performance of dressing changes; 
  • nutritional needs during recovery; 
  • the necessity of regular pressure relief to prevent the formation of new pressure sores; 
  • further monitoring and dressing changes at the place of residence; 
  • prevention of inflammatory processes of the urinary tract; 
  • bowel function management; 
  • maintaining adequate fluid intake and balanced nutrition.

Based on the rehabilitation results, the specialists of the center recommended that Vladyslav continue treatment of the pressure sores under the supervision of a surgeon and constantly monitor correct body positioning to reduce pressure on bony prominences and prevent new complications.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 64,000