The “Wings of Victory” charity, through its “Aybolit: On the Way to Recovery” project, creates safe spaces for emotional healing and stress relief.
Each nature retreat becomes a new, emotionally charged narrative about the Ukrainian people’s heroic struggle for freedom and independence.
Our veterans from Lisova Polyana (“Forest Glade”) displayed an incredibly positive attitude from the first moments. During the journey, they actively communicated, shared impressions, and got acquainted.
A cozy forest gazebo welcomed us warmly. Working together, we quickly organized the space: lit the grills and set up tables. The men prepared delicious shashliks, while the women arranged art therapy materials—eco-bags and paints.
Most of the Aybolit team consistently participates in these retreats. For example, Svetlana Rudneva crafts exceptional homemade pastries, and Pavel Parkhomenko oversees the barbecue and catering.
Psychologist Victoria Kost always accompanies these events, particularly supporting veterans who experienced captivity. She dedicates nearly the entire retreat to therapeutic conversations.
This time, art therapy was led by young volunteer Veronika, whose guidance was respected as if from a seasoned professional.
The hot, windy weather forced us to skip football and badminton, focusing instead on painting with brief snack breaks.
Creative activities allowed for simultaneous conversations about project activities, including aquatic therapy and hippotherapy. We asked about the patients’ satisfaction with medical transportation services. The veterans showed interest in our 2-day seminars “Start and Improve Your Business.”
The eco-bag painting activity—proposed by Victoria—deserves special mention. Participants personalized their designs, adding unique touches to each creation.
Veterans showed remarkable openness during personal conversations. Their stories reveal shocking depths of Russian hostility toward Ukrainians, particularly affecting former prisoners. Each account represents lifelong emotional scars, yet this shared vulnerability united us.
We were moved by the participants’ enthusiasm for taking group photos, exchanging contacts for medical/legal support, etc.
We thank every one of you and honor your courage, warm hearts, and resilience. Your ability to embrace love and purpose despite trauma inspires us all.
These gatherings fuel our third consecutive year of mission work.
Stand Strong!
‼ This initiative is realized by the Wings of Victory charity within the Capable and Resistant Program implemented by the East Europe Foundation with the financial support of Switzerland.
