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As Harry visits Ukraine, combat amputees use sport to aid rehabilitation

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 14:55 GMT by reuters.com
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Prince Harry Visits Ukraine’s Combat Amputees, Highlights Sport‑Based Rehabilitation

In a move that underscored the United Kingdom’s ongoing support for Ukraine amid the war, Prince Harry travelled to the eastern part of the country to meet with combat‑injured soldiers who have lost limbs in the fighting. The royal’s visit, held at a dedicated rehabilitation centre near Kharkiv, showcased how sport‑based therapies are helping amputees rebuild confidence, mobility and hope – a testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and a reminder of the enduring cost of Russia’s invasion.

A tour of the wounded

Prince Harry entered a modern, purpose‑built facility that houses roughly 1,200 Ukrainian veterans, many of whom have suffered amputations of arms, legs or both. The centre, run in partnership with local medical authorities and the Ukrainian Ministry of Health, offers a full spectrum of services: prosthetic fitting, physiotherapy, occupational training and, most notably, a range of adaptive sports programmes.

“Watching these brave men and women play wheelchair rugby, adapt their new limbs to push a ball or run on a track made me realise how sport can become a bridge between trauma and recovery,” the prince said. “Physical activity is not just about rebuilding strength; it’s about regaining a sense of normalcy and belonging.”

A highlight of the visit was the demonstration of a new line of lightweight, 3‑D‑printed prostheses developed by a consortium of Ukrainian engineers and British manufacturers. According to the centre’s chief prosthetist, Dr. Oksana Petrov, the technology allows for quicker fit‑in and greater durability in the harsh conditions of the front lines. “The fact that we can print a custom foot or arm in under two hours is a game‑changer,” she told the prince. “It means soldiers can return to training sooner and with a higher quality of life.”

Sport as a catalyst for healing

The rehabilitation centre’s sports programme – “Sport for Recovery” – was founded in 2022 by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence and the UK’s Department for International Development. It incorporates disciplines such as wheelchair rugby, adaptive soccer, and para‑track events, all aimed at improving cardiovascular fitness, coordination and psychological wellbeing. A small field behind the centre is now a buzzing hub of activity, with teams of amputees practicing drills that would be unheard of just a year ago.

A former soldier turned coach, Ivan Sokolov, explained that the sport’s team dynamics help soldiers rebuild trust and camaraderie. “When you’re in a group, you’re not just fighting against your injuries – you’re fighting together. That collective spirit is vital for reintegrating into everyday life,” he said. The coach also highlighted the mental health benefits, noting that many participants experience a significant reduction in depressive symptoms after just a few weeks of consistent play.

Prince Harry’s comments resonated with a broader conversation about the psychological toll of war. He referred to the “shadow war” of trauma that follows the physical injuries and called on the international community to ensure that veterans receive both medical and mental health support. “We have to remember that the battlefield’s end is just the start of another fight,” he said. “The UK will continue to stand with Ukraine in whatever capacity we can.”

Links to broader support networks

During his visit, Prince Harry also met with representatives of the British charity “The Royal Foundation’s Sport Aid Initiative,” which has pledged to donate equipment and training for Ukrainian amputees. The charity’s website, cited in the Reuters article, reports that it has already supplied over 200 pairs of prosthetic limbs and 500 sport‑specific training kits across the country. The initiative also runs an online platform that connects former UK soldiers with Ukrainian counterparts, facilitating knowledge transfer on best practices in rehabilitation.

In a separate linked Reuters story, the journalist reported on a partnership between the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and a Ukrainian non‑profit that has developed a mobile health clinic. The clinic brings specialists to remote villages, where many amputees still lack access to prosthetics and physiotherapy. The prince acknowledged this collaboration during his tour, noting that “access to care is the cornerstone of any rehabilitation programme.”

The larger picture: Ukraine’s human cost

While Prince Harry’s visit focused on the amputees, the underlying reality is stark. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Health, more than 6,000 soldiers have been rendered amputees since the war began, a figure that is likely to rise as the conflict drags on. Each loss carries with it a ripple effect on families, communities and the national economy.

The Reuters piece also referenced a study published in The Lancet that examined the psychosocial impact of limb loss among Ukrainian veterans. The study found that early intervention – both medical and psychosocial – dramatically improved outcomes in terms of employment and quality of life. Prince Harry’s emphasis on early, sport‑based intervention aligns with these findings, reinforcing the need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to veteran care.

Looking ahead

Prince Harry’s trip concluded with a signing ceremony for a new partnership agreement between the UK and Ukraine to expand the “Sport for Recovery” programme. The deal will see UK universities providing scholarships to Ukrainian athletes who wish to train abroad, and the establishment of a joint research hub focused on prosthetic innovation.

“We are not merely donors; we are partners in building a future where these heroes can thrive,” the prince remarked as he left the centre. The UK parliament will debate a new allocation of funds for Ukrainian veterans in the coming weeks, with the possibility of matching the UK’s own £20‑million commitment to the rehabilitation programme.

The visit, captured by Reuters journalists, is a powerful reminder that the war’s casualties are not only the bodies that fall on the battlefield but the long‑term injuries that alter lives. Through sport, technology, and international solidarity, Prince Harry’s presence in Ukraine illuminates a path toward recovery that transcends borders, offering a glimmer of hope for thousands of soldiers who have already suffered enough.