Ukrainian Defender Volodymyr Lifar Completes Rehabilitation with Support from Rinat Akhmetov Foundation
Volodymyr Lifar, a defender of Mariupol, worked for nearly 30 years at Azovstal before the full-scale invasion. At the age of 54, he voluntarily enlisted to defend Mariupol. During the combat, he suffered a concussion, and his health significantly deteriorated while in Russian captivity.
“I am very grateful to the Foundation for their assistance to veterans, to ‘Heart of Azovstal,’ and to the staff who support us. We keep in touch with them, and they inform us about various programs. Thank you for this,” Lifar expressed.
In Mariupol, Lifar aided his comrades in evacuating civilians from the Azovstal territory. By the end of April 2022, around 60 people were evacuated through the plant. On May 19, he exited the facility and was taken into Russian captivity, initially held in Olenivka before being transferred to a colony in Luhansk.
After his release, Lifar experienced sleep disturbances, back pain, and psychological repercussions from his ordeal. His family’s home in Mariupol was entirely destroyed, and his wife and other relatives fled to Europe. Currently, he rents accommodation in Kyiv and does not plan to leave Ukraine.
“My family spent two months sheltering in basements, and they faced many challenges. My house is ruined. Neighbors sent us photos, and there is nothing left of the house. We had a three-room apartment,” he recounted.
During his rehabilitation, Lifar visited a swimming pool, underwent therapeutic baths, and participated in physiotherapy and massage sessions. A significant part of his recovery involved a trip to Dragobrat, where he hiked, practiced yoga, rode horses, and worked with psychologists alongside other veterans. He emphasized the importance of feeling part of a team again.
Lifar encouraged his fellow soldiers, including former prisoners of war and defenders of Mariupol, to take advantage of available support programs. “There are programs available; come and receive help, it works. I send them photos, press releases, and keep them informed based on my own experience,” he said.
Oksana Fridmanska, a therapist at the sanatorium, noted that there has been a significant increase in individuals suffering from combat-related injuries since the onset of the full-scale war. Rehabilitation programs are tailored individually for each patient.
“Rehabilitation specialists assist with recovering motor function, reducing muscle spasms, increasing mobility, and alleviating joint and back pain. As a result, individuals feel better and find their place in society,” Fridmanska explained.
The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation provides aid to Ukrainians affected by Russian shelling through its project “Treatment and Rehabilitation of Wounded Adults.” Since the project’s inception, over 11,000 individuals have received treatment and rehabilitation.
To seek assistance, individuals can contact the Foundation via messenger or call the free hotline at 0 800 509 001, which operates from Monday to Friday.
