In the heart of Lviv, on the rooftop of the Swiss Hotel, an event of profound significance and symbolism took place. Unyielding Ukrainian marines participated in the 2024 Martial Arts Photo Contest for UNESCO. The Swiss Hotel proudly served as a partner for this powerful initiative.
The project was initiated by social photographer Iva-Karina Zaiko (featured in the main photo wearing boxing gloves). Her idea was supported by the Command of the Ukrainian Marine Corps and the Charity Foundation of the Ukrainian Marines Union "Faithful Always!", led by Yurii Holodov. Three courageous marines stood before the lenses: Dmytro, Ihor, and Svyatoslav. Combat veterans who have suffered severe injuries and amputations, they have not lost faith in victory and, moreover, have returned with prosthetics to serve in their units.
Voices of the Organizers and Participants
- "My goal in this project is to emphasize the importance of equality and inclusion through martial arts, to show that people with diverse physical characteristics can continue to take an active part in society. Inclusion in Ukraine is only just beginning to develop, and projects like this are extremely important. Inclusion is the process of involving all people in active public life, regardless of their physical capabilities or other differences," says Iva-Karina Zaiko.
According to the photographer, such an initiative is also significant for Ukraine because it highlights the courage and resilience of Ukrainian defenders, proving that every military personnel member can be an example and a source of inspiration:
- "The photographs symbolize the physical strength and spiritual resilience of the Ukrainian people, contributing to the strengthening of national pride and Ukraine's international image."
Yurii Holodov, Chairman of the Board of the Charity Foundation of the Ukrainian Marines Union "Faithful Always!" (second from the left in the main photo), has headed the Marines Union since 2012. Currently discharged from the Armed Forces due to age, he regularly visits the units of the 501st Independent Marine Battalion (part of the 36th Brigade, which Oleksiy Nikiforov led out of Kerch in 2014) in eastern Ukraine. According to him, some of the marines from Krynky in the Kherson region were redeployed near Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region, where they distinguished themselves in successful combat operations against Russian invaders, capturing an officer.
- "What surprised me was that many guys, after injuries and even the loss of limbs, escape from hospitals and return to their units. When I visited our famous Feodosia 1st Battalion in April, I was met by the deputy commander for moral and psychological support, a young guy named Anatoliy. His right arm was amputated. When asked why he didn't legally discharge himself, Anatoliy replied: 'I cannot abandon my own men,'" recalls Yurii Holodov.
This inspired the creation of the UNESCO photo session. An accompanying goal of the photo idea is to support comrades with similar injuries so they know that a full life exists, that they can practice hand-to-hand combat, fight, and never give up.
Stories of the Heroes
- Ihor Nezhura volunteered for the military commissariat at the start of the full-scale invasion, underwent training in the Lviv region, and was assigned to the 36th Brigade. He fought as a senior rifleman with a machine gun on the Zaporizhzhia front, where he stepped on an anti-personnel mine in 2022. He underwent rehabilitation abroad in Spain. In addition to losing a limb, he suffered injuries to his other leg and hand, but returned to his fellow marines. He is currently replacing his prosthetic since his leg has changed slightly, and he says he will be useful in the unit, for example, by driving vehicles. Regarding those who try to avoid mobilization at all costs, Ihor speaks steadfastly:"I understand, no one wants to go to war, but we must defend this country because there is no one else to defend it besides us. Many guys continue to serve with prosthetics. Aren't those people who run and hide somewhere in houses and villages ashamed?" Regarding victory, the warrior notes that the duration of the war depends on the West and the pace and volume of arms supplies: "If we had the weapons at the beginning of the full-scale invasion that we have now, it would have been completely different."
- 38-year-old Svyatoslav is from Haysyn, Vinnytsia region. He received his draft notice, arrived at the military commissariat last year, and underwent training in the Rivne region. Behind him are battles in Staromaiorske (where he sustained his first leg injury), Krynky on the left bank of the Dnipro (where he suffered heavy concussions), and Zmiivka on the right bank of the Kherson region, where he was wounded most severely, resulting in the amputation of his hand and abdominal surgery. The warrior is awaiting prosthetics, while his wife and children await him at home. Svyatoslav admits he would not trade the Marine Corps for any other branch of service.
- 46-year-old Dmytro Dolhih is from the Zaporizhzhia region and lived in Enerhodar, which is currently under Russian occupation. He has been serving since 2021, immediately joining the 501st Independent Marine Battalion. The full-scale war caught him on the Zaporizhzhia front near Vasylivka. Then followed the Donetsk, Kherson, and Kharkiv fronts—covering almost all of them. On July 12 of last year, during a combat mission on the Zaporizhzhia front, he was hit by enemy mortar fire. During a second strike while trying to hide in a tree line, he stepped on a mine and lost his leg. He underwent 5 months of treatment and rehabilitation in Ukraine. Before the war, Dmytro practiced amateur boxing and won amateur tournaments. He is decorated with an order and medals as a combat veteran. His wife and student son Pavlo are waiting for him at home."Everything we have lost, we will recover and rebuild. I believe in it, and so it will be!" — Dmytro is convinced.
The Role of Martial Arts and Rehabilitation
Volodymyr Kuchma, a self-defense instructor with over 15 years of experience, was invited to the project as a consultant to help the marines "frame a quality shot" and demonstrate that martial arts are open to individuals with amputations and trauma.
- "Practicing martial arts is a comprehensive load that allows the body to develop, recover, and balance. In addition, it is a kind of emotional support that is very important — everyone who practices martial arts knows that a gym section is a family. People with injuries need this very much. Martial arts also help restore self-confidence, as it develops physical strength, the ability to defend oneself, and communication skills," explains Volodymyr Kuchma.
The trainer advises veterans not to close themselves off, to seek out gyms for self-development, and to restore physical strength and communication.
Commentary by Mykhailo Shevelyuk
"It is a great honor and privilege for our team at the Swiss Hotel and Valentino Restaurant to host such a landmark international photo project for UNESCO on our rooftop. The stories of our unyielding marines — Dmytro, Ihor, and Svyatoslav — are living proof that the power of the human spirit knows no bounds. Despite severe injuries, the loss of limbs, and the trials of war, they demonstrate phenomenal resilience and return to active life and service. Our duty in the rear is to support inclusion at all levels, create an accessible environment, and serve as a reliable rear for every defender. We are proud that Lviv and our hotel have become a platform for broadcasting this courage to the entire world,"
Mykhailo Shevelyuk, Development Manager of the Swiss Hotel and Valentino Restaurant.
Photos: Iva-Karina Zaiko, Roman Chyhrynets.
P.S. The first Sunday of July marks the Day of the Ukrainian Navy, and the Day of the Ukrainian Marine Corps is celebrated on May 23.
