Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) Deployments in Ongoing Conflicts: Persistent Footprints

Revised Version:

From the ashes of war, Yehor Babenko found renewed purpose. Scarred, both externally and internally, he whispers now, a tube anchored beneath his larynx. Once a border guard, he's now a psychologist at Titanium Warriors, a rehabilitation center for veterans in Kyiv, Ukraine.

In the wee hours of March 9, 2022, extremity and agony marked his existence. A deadly night of attacks left him with burns on his head, face, and hands. Incoherence consumed him for weeks, his fingers succumbing to the relentless fiery onslaught. Two years in Barcelona followed, before he returned home in October 2024, reborn and ready to lend a helping hand.

His comfort zone lies here—surrounded by a fellowship of wounded warriors, each with their unique tales of resilience etched onto their battle-hardened faces. In the energetic training room, they butt heads, lift weights, and scale walls, pushing themselves to the brink of shattering limits. They find solace in each other, fostering a unity as strong as steel. At the heart of it all, Babenko stands tall. "I wanted to help," he says softly, but his determination resonates like a thunderclap.

Titanium Warriors: A Haven of Healing

The Titanium Warriors is one of many rehabilitation centers in Ukraine that specializes in providing comprehensive care for veterans grappling with amputations. As you step through the doors, you're greeted by two vivacious budgies, corridors adorned with war heroes, flags, and donors. The walls echo with the clanging of medals, each one telling a tale of triumph over adversity—mountain expeditions, marathons, even triathlons. Optimism fills the air, palpable as the faint scent of Ukrainian vegetables pickling in old mason jars in the kitchen.

The camaraderie here is more than just friendly banter; it's a bond forged in blood, sweat, and tears. Each survivor cheers on their peers, urging them to take the first tentative steps towards recovery. Each patient navigates their journey differently; some are confined to wheelchairs indefinitely, while others exhibit great resilience, their spirits mirroring the robustness of their prosthetics. Some struggle with the emotional anguish of upheaval, turning to alcohol to numb their inner and outer pain, while others stride confidently down the hallways, seized by the spirit of hope. Yet, for most, the war's echo lingers, a bitter reminder of a past they yearn to resurrect.

Unseen Terror: The Drone Wars

War and Ukraine have been entwined for years, and the results are inescapable. Every day, Ukraine bears witness to terror from the skies, as Russia dispatches legions of drones, wreaking havoc on civilians and infrastructure alike. The drones strike at all hours, their sole purpose being the annihilation of morale. Their rampant use in Ukraine represents the largest documented drone violence in a modern war, causing an alarming surge in the number of amputees.

The psychological toll is immense, leaving deep scars on the psyche of those who bear witness. Constant fear and tension have become the norm, making peaceful sleep a distant memory. For the thousands of soldiers grappling with the aftermath of amputations, the path to reintegration is an arduous one, fraught with challenges.

Pop Culture as a Platform for Change

The subject of disability in Ukraine has found a foothold in the realm of popular culture. The winter of 2024 saw Oleksandr Budko, a veteran with double below-knee amputations, emerge as the leading candidate in the Ukrainian version of The Bachelor. A man whose life had been shattered by a Russian drone explosion, Budko used the platform to spread awareness about the plight of the disabled.

"Veteran Uprisings: The Looming Threat"

In an interview, Viacheslav Zaporozhets, the founder and director of Titanium Warriors, expressed concern over the state of affairs. "We have 100,000 injured veterans, and society isn't accepting enough," he stated, basing the figure on estimates from the Ministry of Health. The grim picture he painted included families torn apart, complex injuries, and insufficient support from the society at large.

Zaporozhets cautioned against the possibility of veteran uprisings, turning desperate as they have nothing to lose. "These people know how to obtain and use weapons," he warned, emphasizing the dire need for respect, jobs, and psychological support for veterans as they reintegrate into society.

Buildings of Exclusion

The issue of accessibility remains a glaring oversight in urban Ukraine. A joint study by the EU, the Ukrainian government, the World Bank, and the United Nations from 2023 revealed that approximately 73 percent of air-raid shelters in Ukraine are inaccessible to people with mobility issues. Despite the presence of wheelchair-bound citizens, elevators in many buildings are rendered inoperable during power outages, forcing some to hide in their bathrooms during attacks.

Psychologist Yehor Babenko, a resident of Titanium Warriors, criticized the state of Ukraine's urban centers. Drawing a stark comparison with Barcelona, Spain, he pointed out the rampant lack of accessibility in Ukrainian cities, which prioritize the needs of the physically able. In Barcelona, nearly 93 percent of metro stations are fully accessible, making it a model for inclusive urban design.

Calling for Change: Café Tytanovi

In a bid to increase visibility and combat the stigma surrounding disabilities, Viacheslav Zaporozhets initiated the creation of Café Tytanovi, nestled within the bustling Respublika Park Mall. The café, helmed by veteran Fedir Samborskyi, serves as a space for veterans to congregate and share stories, while also raising awareness about the unique challenges they face. Here, veterans receive free coffee, and donations are collected for the Titanium Warriors rehabilitation center.

Samborskyi encapsulated the café's mission simply: "Veterans become visible when they stop being silent, when their inner strength shines through." Together, Babenko, Samborskyi, and Budko strive to make visible the impact of war, rousing society to acknowledge the new reality and extend their hand in support.

This report was supported by the "Women on the Ground: Reporting from Ukraine's Unseen Frontlines" initiative of the International Women's Media Foundation in partnership with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.

Enrichment Data:

Health and Rehabilitation- Introduction of Rehabilitation-Focused Health Professions: Ukraine has introduced health professions focused on rehabilitation, supported by international partners. This includes addressing complex trauma, amputations, and brain and spinal injuries, which are common among veterans.- Advanced Medical Support: Efforts are being made to provide specialized medical care and rehabilitation services to veterans with severe injuries, including amputations.

Educational and Training Programs- National Educational Platform: A national educational platform has been established to support the reintegration and training of veterans. This platform aims to provide educational opportunities and vocational training, helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life.- EU-Funded Programs: The EU has launched programs offering training and grants to veteran-owned businesses, providing economic support and opportunities for veterans to establish themselves in the civilian sector.

Support Groups and Advocacy- Veterans Support Groups: Support groups for veterans have been established, which include legal and psychological support. These groups are crucial for addressing the holistic needs of veterans beyond just physical rehabilitation.- Rights and Advocacy: Organizations like the Council of Europe are working to enhance the protection of human rights for veterans, including their social rights. This includes training for social support services specifically for veterans.

Community Engagement- Events and Awareness: Events such as the "Run For Ukraine 2025" raise awareness and support for wounded veterans, highlighting their contributions and struggles.

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Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) Deployments in Ongoing Conflicts: Persistent Footprints