Wounded Ukrainian Warriors
A tribute to those who have given so much in the defence of their country.
photo essay by Oksana Kami
Free Azov
Every Ukrainian defender I meet has a story that astounds me… It’s hard to imagine what these people have been through, what they’ve seen and what they feel. However, their stories help us all to become at least a little braver, and clearly understand that we all can do a little bit more to help not only Ukraine and Ukrainians, but also help democracies stand up for themselves and survive against dictatorships.
Most of these warriors came to the US for rehabilitation through “Revived Soldiers Ukraine”, a non-profit organization which provides medical treatment to the wounded Ukrainian defenders. They take on the most difficult cases. However, even when bodies of our heroes are injured, they stay incredibly powerful, and if I may say - beautiful. Their beauty is filled with a complex of what they’ve been through, what they are still going through, their views, the way they think, their depth and inner feelings. I believe it’s important to help these brave, incredible people accept themselves, and their new reality, and make them believe they are powerful enough to continue building their lives.
- Oksana Kami
The Warriors:


Oleksandr studied and worked as a child psychologist. He wanted to succeed in this field, he wanted to see his country blooming, he wanted to be a valued member of society. He dreamed about traveling the world, he dreamed of his own big family with a dog, he dreamed that his life would be an incredible adventure. However, when the war came to Ukraine in 2014, he decided to defend his country, which he loves wholeheartedly. When I asked him what was most memorable for him from his time at war, he said - people, some of whom aren’t with us anymore, the way they gazed, their hugs and their actions. He doesn’t really want to talk about his injury, but he got wounded when a mine exploded and now is going through rehabilitation with “Revived Soldiers Ukraine”. He says it’s important for him to be worthy of every single day, to enjoy this life even in spite of all the challenges. He plans victory, he wants victory and he dreams of victory!










Andrii got injured by an anti tank mine and suffered traumatic amputation of both legs above the knees. He lost one eye and partially lost vision on his second eye. However, as he said—he survived. Now he is fighting another battl: it’s a battle to get back to as active a life as possible. He still has his unique sense of humor, and even though his body is wounded, his spirit is strong. Every time I meet these brave people, I see their power and inner beauty. I met another warrior whose story makes us feel appreciation for every single defender as well as makes us learn to keep fighting for our values and never give up.
Oksana Kami is a Ukrainian artist, poet and photographer now living in Chicago. She studied art history at Lviv National Academy of Art, and after graduating with an MA, she pursued photography.
Wounded Ukrainian Warriors is produced in conjunction with Decagon Gallery, Brooklyn NY