British military doctors and therapists are providing support at a specialist treatment centre in Ukraine where innovative treatments are helping amputees recover. The centre, part of Project Renovator, treats dozens of seriously wounded Ukrainians each month who have lost limbs in the war against Russia.
One patient, Vladislav, a 31-year-old former arbitration lawyer, lost his left leg after a drone attack near Lyman in August. He described how a fibre optic drone chased his buggy and exploded, causing severe injury. Despite the trauma, he checked his crotch first, found everything intact, and then applied a tourniquet to save his life.
The UK team includes doctors, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists from the defence medical services. Mike, a British rehab consultant and army lieutenant colonel, said the numbers of amputees are 'truly humbling' and that his team brings expertise in complex amputee rehabilitation. He praised Ukrainian surgeons for managing nerve injuries faster than he has seen before.
Defence Secretary John Healey praised the UK's contribution, stating: 'I'm proud that the UK is stepping up to ensure wounded Ukrainian soldiers get the best possible treatment.' The centre also provides psychological support and group activities, such as volleyball, to help patients motivate each other.
Vladislav expects to receive a final prosthetic leg and be discharged early this year. He admitted to crying a lot during recovery but now maintains a strong mental state, comparing the experience to 'a divorce' before adjusting.
