Charitable Foundation name of fond

Rehabilitation and Support for the Warriors of Ukraine

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About the Program of the Project-Research on the Motivational Component

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WE ARE THE ІRISKA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

OUR MISSION

To provide wounded service members with comprehensive physical, psychological, and social rehabilitation, helping them return to a full life. We unite resources, experts, and partners to build an effective support system that fosters recovery, adaptation, and post-traumatic growth for Ukraine’s defenders. In addition, we engage in advocacy and research to improve the rehabilitation system in Ukraine and implement the world’s best practices in military support.

OUR VISION

We strive to build a society in which every wounded service member and veteran receives comprehensive, high-quality, and, most importantly, timely support for physical, psychological, and social recovery. We are creating a future where rehabilitation is not only a recovery process but also a path to reclaiming one’s potential and actively participating in society.

OUR GOAL

To ensure the functioning of an effective ecosystem for the support and rehabilitation of service members and veterans, enabling comprehensive physical, psycho-emotional, and social rehabilitation for at least 50 service members per year, with a planned annual expansion of the project’s reach to new regions of Ukraine.

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PHYSICAL HEALTH RECOVERY OF MILITARY PERSONNEL

This initiative is implemented in partnership with rehabilitation centers.

It involves personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to military personnel, working closely with specialists and utilizing specialized equipment. With quality support, we commit to assisting our military personnel until they achieve full recovery.



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PSYCHOLOGICAL REHABILITATION OF MILITARY PERSONNEL

The rehabilitation of our fighters aims to stabilize their psycho-emotional state, a crucial step in the recovery process.

Despite the severity of physical injuries, psychological challenges can be significant barriers to returning to civilian life. We recognize that not everyone is ready to discuss their traumas immediately, so we start by helping military personnel find their inner balance. Psychosocial assessments allow us to better understand each fighter’s condition and track their progress.

Simultaneously, our military personnel engage with the project psychologist, participating in individual and group online meetings, which are integral to their journey back to peaceful living.



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POOL ACTIVITIES

A favorite stage for our military personnel!

Swimming not only brings genuine smiles but also serves as an effective tool for psychosocial rehabilitation. During swimming, the body produces happiness hormones while stopping the production of cortisol, the stress hormone.

Moreover, being in water helps military personnel maintain focus, which is invaluable for those struggling with concentration and anxious thoughts.



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SUCCESSFUL REHABILITATION OF MILITARY PERSONNEL

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Military  Oleksii

In May, during a combat mission, Oleksii suffered a mine-explosion injury. The blast caused serious wounds to both legs: shrapnel damaged his thighs, shins, feet, and gluteal area.

Dnipro

Oleksii is a new participant in our rehabilitation program in Dnipro. He joined the project in July 2025.

In May, during a combat mission, Oleksii suffered a mine-explosion injury. The blast caused serious wounds to both legs: shrapnel damaged his thighs, shins, feet, and gluteal area. As a result, he sustained shattered bones in the heels, metatarsals, and shins, extensive soft tissue damage, and some metallic fragments still remain in his body.

Oleksii is now at the beginning of his recovery journey. Ahead lies a long and challenging process, which will include physical rehabilitation, psychological support, and emotional stabilization.

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Military Oleksandr

During a missile attack on their position, Oleksandr sustained a severe injury — after three rockets struck the area, he lost his left arm.

Irpin

On January 10, 2023, Oleksandr joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a mortar operator in the 61st Separate Infantry Brigade. He began his service on the Donetsk front and later spent six months participating in the Kursk operation.

During a missile attack on their position, Oleksandr sustained a severe injury — after three rockets struck the area, he lost his left arm.

Today, he is undergoing pre-prosthetic physical rehabilitation. Together with a physical therapist, he is preparing for the next stage — prosthetic fitting. It’s a challenging but crucial process that brings Oleksandr closer to returning to an active life.

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Military Dmytro

On January 30, 2025, Dmytro sustained an explosive injury resulting in a fracture of the right femur and amputation of the right lower leg.

Dnipro

On January 30, 2025, Dmytro sustained an explosive injury resulting in a fracture of the right femur and amputation of the right lower leg.

During rehabilitation, the main focus was on increasing the range of motion in the knee joint. Work was also done to develop strength and balance in the lower limbs. Dmytro underwent preparation for prosthetic fitting.

Currently, he has a complication — an unhealed fracture of the femur. His condition has improved, but on the trauma specialist’s recommendation, he is not yet able to bear weight on the prosthesis.

Therefore, Dmytro is resting for now. In three months, when doctors allow loading on the leg, he will return to rehabilitation to learn to walk with the prosthesis.

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Military Vitaliy

In October 2023, a servicemember sustained a blast injury that resulted in the amputation of a lower limb and multiple other traumas.

Dnipro

In October 2023, a servicemember sustained a blast injury that resulted in the amputation of a lower limb and multiple other traumas. He experienced constant pain and post-traumatic stress.

Thanks to his perseverance and the support of our foundation, gradual improvements have been achieved: pain has decreased, mobility has improved, and his overall health has stabilized.

Every step on this path matters. We continue to stand by our servicemembers — supporting their recovery and creating new possibilities for the future.

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Military Dmytro

In 2022, Dmytro was injured during a combat mission in the Kherson direction. Since then, he has undergone 11 surgeries and several replacements of metal fixators.

Dmytro is a serviceman undergoing rehabilitation as part of our project. We met in May, and he is now nearing the completion of his recovery program.

In 2022, Dmytro was injured during a combat mission in the Kherson direction. Since then, he has undergone 11 surgeries and several replacements of metal fixators. Due to prolonged immobilization of his arm, complications developed — muscle atrophy and limited range of motion.

During rehabilitation, the focus was on passive movements. This already brought results: the muscle fibers became active again, and the range of motion gradually increased. After the most recent check-up, the orthopedic trauma doctor recommended gradually increasing the load and introducing new exercises.

Currently, Dmytro continues his recovery independently — in the city where he is temporarily staying for work.

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Military Oleksii

The serviceman applied to our foundation in November 2023 after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. At the time of his appeal, he had no movement in his right knee joint.

Today, we introduce you to Oleksii. He has been part of our project for nine months, but due to prolonged treatment and surgeries, we have only now met in person.

Oleksii reached out to us with complaints of significant restricted mobility in his right shoulder after a mine-blast injury. He underwent a complex surgery to implant a special structure and later had to undergo several more surgical procedures.

Our goal is to prepare him for shoulder joint replacement and support him on his path to recoverу.

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Military Pavlo

As a result of carrying out a combat mission, Pavlo sustained a mine-explosive injury to the brachial plexus on the right side, which led to weakness.

(city of Lviv)

As a result of carrying out a combat mission, Pavlo sustained a mine-explosive injury to the brachial plexus on the right side, which led to weakness, loss of function in his right arm, reduced range of motion, and pain in the shoulder joint area.

Rehabilitation Goal:

Restore the function of Pavlo’s right upper limb so that he can use his arm in daily life again.

Rehabilitation Objectives:

  1. Increase strength.
  2. Improve coordination of movement in the right upper limb.
  3. Enhance overall endurance.
  4. Reduce pain in the right shoulder.
  5. Increase range of motion.

After two weeks of rehabilitation, Pavlo has gained strength in the muscles of his right upper limb, particularly in the biceps, triceps, deltoid, and pectoral muscles. Additionally, his pain-free range of motion in the shoulder joint has improved.

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Military Vadum

Injured: bilateral fractures of the forearms due to a mine explosion injury. Contracture of both elbow joints and the installation of an implant in the left arm.

Vadym joined our project in August 2024. After an airstrike, he sustained injuries to both arms, which significantly limited their mobility and caused persistent, exhausting pain. His right arm was almost non-functional in daily life: the fingers were weak, and the hand could not perform a reliable grip. His left arm also had noticeable limitations in the shoulder and elbow and was accompanied by constant discomfort. Due to muscle atrophy, even simple daily actions — holding a cup or getting dressed — required effort and assistance.

Thanks to regular training and support from the team, his muscle tone gradually improved, initial active movements appeared, and the pain began to lessen. Vadym became more resilient and confident, gradually regaining control over his body. Despite significant progress, full recovery will only be possible after surgery due to an unhealed bone injury.

During rehabilitation, he reached the maximum possible result for his current condition: his movements became more precise and stronger, the pain decreased, and overall function improved notably. Now Vadym is returning to service, continuing his path in the line of duty.

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Military Roman

Roman is an exceptionally strong individual and a recent participant in our project in Irpin, who joined us not long ago. After sustaining a shrapnel injury, Roman underwent surgery and spent two months lying down.

Roman is an exceptionally strong individual and a recent participant in our project in Irpin, who joined us not long ago. After sustaining a shrapnel injury, Roman underwent surgery and spent two months lying down. He began his rehabilitation in a wheelchair. In the first days of training, thanks to the rehabilitation specialist, the soldier learned to walk using a four-point cane.

Later, training with Canadian crutches began. One of the challenges was learning to get up from the floor in a simulated “post-fall” scenario. Roman successfully tackled this task!

For additional support, a special orthosis was ordered to stabilize his left foot. Every day, Roman becomes stronger and more confident in his abilities, thanks to the opportunity to rehabilitate after his injury. He is now working on endurance and confidence while moving both on flat and uneven surfaces.

REVIEWS OF OUR MILITARY

Yuriy contacted us with a diagnosis of a mine-explosive injury. He had injuries to his buttocks, fractures of several ribs, an elbow fracture, and other shrapnel wounds.

“The elbow was initially fixed with pins, which were later replaced with screws. At the start of the project, he complained of significant limitations in the range of motion in the elbow joint and pain with almost any movement,” said Yuriy’s trainer, Vladislav.

During rehabilitation, the mobility of the elbow joint was fully restored, and his walking pattern was established. The current goal of rehabilitation is to increase strength and muscle mass in the areas of the injuries.

Yuriy contacted us with a diagnosis of a mine-explosive injury. He had injuries to his buttocks, fractures of several ribs, an elbow fracture, and other shrapnel wounds.

“The elbow was initially fixed with pins, which were later replaced with screws. At the start of the project, he complained of significant limitations in the range of motion in the elbow joint and pain with almost any movement,” said Yuriy’s trainer, Vladislav.

During rehabilitation, the mobility of the elbow joint was fully restored, and his walking pattern was established. The current goal of rehabilitation is to increase strength and muscle mass in the areas of the injuries.

Military Yuriy

Hennadiy contacted the Motus rehabilitation center a few months after sustaining a compression fracture of the thoracic spine. He suffered the fracture during a combat mission when shots were fired from all sides, causing the ground to shake and trees to fall from explosions. One tree fell on his back.

Hennadiy was unable to move and temporarily lost sensation in his body. His comrades quickly carried him to a trench: “They just threw me in there,” recalls Hennadiy. “After a while, I began to come to my senses; sensitivity gradually returned. They helped me up and carried me.” I tried to walk, but my legs wouldn’t respond. I remember we walked through the forest, through the mud…”

Hennadiy contacted the Motus rehabilitation center a few months after sustaining a compression fracture of the thoracic spine. He suffered the fracture during a combat mission when shots were fired from all sides, causing the ground to shake and trees to fall from explosions. One tree fell on his back.

Hennadiy was unable to move and temporarily lost sensation in his body. His comrades quickly carried him to a trench: “They just threw me in there,” recalls Hennadiy. “After a while, I began to come to my senses; sensitivity gradually returned. They helped me up and carried me.” I tried to walk, but my legs wouldn’t respond. I remember we walked through the forest, through the mud…”

Military Hennadiy

Physical therapist at the Motus Rehabilitation Center.

Vlad has been working with many participants in our project from the very beginning, supporting them in their physical rehabilitation journey.

“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Iriska Foundation for its assistance in the rehabilitation of our soldiers. Thanks to the Iriska Foundation, about 10 soldiers are currently undergoing therapy in our center.

I believe that the rehabilitation of our soldiers is one of the most important tasks for our country today and a key to our victory.”

Physical therapist at the Motus Rehabilitation Center.

Vlad has been working with many participants in our project from the very beginning, supporting them in their physical rehabilitation journey.

“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Iriska Foundation for its assistance in the rehabilitation of our soldiers. Thanks to the Iriska Foundation, about 10 soldiers are currently undergoing therapy in our center.

I believe that the rehabilitation of our soldiers is one of the most important tasks for our country today and a key to our victory.”

Physical therapist Vladyslav Tkachеnkо

Viktor contacted us with complaints about the inability to bend the 1st and 2nd fingers of his left hand, reduced grip strength, and overall weakness in his forearm muscles. Currently, Viktor skillfully manages increasingly complex exercises, runs, jumps, and holds heavy objects in his hand.

In the future, Viktor and his trainer will continue to work on fully recovering the damaged nerves and building muscle mass in the areas of muscle defects..

Viktor contacted us with complaints about the inability to bend the 1st and 2nd fingers of his left hand, reduced grip strength, and overall weakness in his forearm muscles. Currently, Viktor skillfully manages increasingly complex exercises, runs, jumps, and holds heavy objects in his hand.

In the future, Viktor and his trainer will continue to work on fully recovering the damaged nerves and building muscle mass in the areas of muscle defects..

Military Viktor

Dmytro’s rehabilitation primarily focused on restoring:
- The full range of motion in the knee joint,
- Muscle strength,
- Load-bearing capacity of the limb.

By reducing swelling, eliminating pain, and restoring normal tone and strength levels, Dmytro continued to work productively with his trainer, now focusing more on fitness for weight loss.

Dmytro’s rehabilitation primarily focused on restoring:
- The full range of motion in the knee joint,
- Muscle strength,
- Load-bearing capacity of the limb.

By reducing swelling, eliminating pain, and restoring normal tone and strength levels, Dmytro continued to work productively with his trainer, now focusing more on fitness for weight loss.

Military Dmytro

Oleksandr, a soldier who sustained a traumatic brain injury and has limited mobility in his hip joint due to the injury.
After four months of active training under the supervision of experienced specialists, he fully restored mobility in his hip joint. Additionally, he worked diligently on coordination, balance, and endurance to maintain his physical condition.

Oleksandr, a soldier who sustained a traumatic brain injury and has limited mobility in his hip joint due to the injury.
After four months of active training under the supervision of experienced specialists, he fully restored mobility in his hip joint. Additionally, he worked diligently on coordination, balance, and endurance to maintain his physical condition.

Military Oleksandr

Kostiantyn trains in swimming and has achieved the title of Master of Sports of Ukraine in the sport. He has won gold twice at the Ukrainian Championships and has repeatedly been a prize-winner and finalist.

“Hello everyone! My name is Kostiantyn, and I am a swimming coach. I want to highlight that the Iriska Charitable Foundation is an amazing team that provides great support. The staff is always positive and shares how they train in the gym with rehabilitation specialists and participate in various events organized by the foundation.”

Kostiantyn trains in swimming and has achieved the title of Master of Sports of Ukraine in the sport. He has won gold twice at the Ukrainian Championships and has repeatedly been a prize-winner and finalist.

“Hello everyone! My name is Kostiantyn, and I am a swimming coach. I want to highlight that the Iriska Charitable Foundation is an amazing team that provides great support. The staff is always positive and shares how they train in the gym with rehabilitation specialists and participate in various events organized by the foundation.”

Swimming coach Kostiantyn Bohorovskyi

OUR TEAM

Iryna Rudenko
Founder of the Foundation

“Since 2021, I have been actively involved in charity work, which is when the idea of creating the foundation emerged. Since the beginning of the war, we have been actively supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Our program is extensive and multifaceted. In addition to physical and psychological rehabilitation, our personnel can visit the pool and attend group meetings for support.”

Kateryna Sakevych
Operations Director

My many years of experience in charity will help scale the foundation, structure its activities, and make our recovery programs even more effective.

My goal is to ensure that recovery after injuries is not only about physiological improvements, but also about returning to a life filled with movement, motivation, and self-belief

Anastasia Reshovska
SMM Specialist

“I create content and manage social media so that as many people as possible can see how important the rehabilitation process is for service members and what it should look like.”

Anastasia Dyachenko
Content Creator

“Initially, I managed the foundation’s Instagram account, and later showcased my skills in the role of director. Under my guidance, the documentary ‘Silence: Broken’ was filmed as part of the rehabilitation program of the Iriska Charitable Foundation. This film allows us to highlight the issues faced by military personnel after returning from the front.”

OUR PARTNERS

Do you have any questions?

We always try to provide you with a fast and high-quality response, so do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or comments.





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