Ukraine: Yuliia, injured by a mine, regains hope

A Life Turned Upside Down by an Explosion

In September 2023, 20-year-old Yuliia was on her way to work when tragedy struck. In the village of Mospanove, in the Kharkiv region, the car in which she was travelling ran over an anti-tank mine. The driver died instantly. Seriously injured, Yuliia suffered double amputation of her legs, burns to her face and hands, the loss of many teeth, and total and irreversible blindness.

"We tried to avoid a puddle of water on the road. The explosion happened on my side of the car," she says. Her husband, who worked nearby, came running when he heard the explosion: "He thought I was dead."

After several operations, the doctors had to amputate both her legs to save her. Later, they told her that she would never be able to see again: the explosion had destroyed her optic nerve.

A long road to rehabilitation

Back home, Yuliia had to face a new reality: learning to live without her legs or her sight. She now uses two prostheses and a walker, but her mobility remains very limited. Her home and surroundings are not very accessible, and the village roads are unpassable for a person with disabilities.

Her mother says, "I offered to give her one of my eyes, so that she could see a little. But they said that was impossible."

Despite the ordeal, Yuliia remains determined: "I still have to rehabilitate my legs and repair my teeth. There are still many operations to come, but I want to keep moving forward."

Essential help from associations

HI has been working with Yuliia for several months to help her regain some independence. Thanks to HI and its local partner, the Kharkiv Association of Blind Lawyers (KABL), she has been able to obtain legal assistance and adjust her disability pension.

She is now taking part in a social rehabilitation program for people with visual disabilities. She is learning how to cook, manage everyday tasks, and get around safely. HI social worker, Olesia, helped her choose a voice-controlled food processor so that she can prepare her own meals. A physical therapist also visits her regularly to adapt her walker and strengthen her muscles.

Strength and a dream

Despite the pain and obstacles, Yuliia remains optimistic and hopeful. 

"First of all, I want peace. Everywhere, not just in Ukraine. I want to live like everyone else, start a family, have a daughter, and a son."