Ukrainian Paralympian Leaves Warfront for Paris, Thinks of Platoon in ‘Hell’

VILLEPINTE, France — For Dmytro Melnyk, a Ukrainian volleyball player and infantry officer, participating in the Paralympic Games in Paris has been emotionally taxing. Melnyk, who is away from his platoon of 35 soldiers stationed on the front lines of the ongoing war against Russia, struggles with the uncertainty of their safety. Since he is unable to contact them — as they are deeply embroiled in conflict — all he can do is hope that they remain unscathed until his return.

This reflects the reality for Ukraine’s delegation of 141 athletes, who aim to remain focused on competing for medals even as the war looms heavily over their minds. Some athletes view their participation in the Games as a means to keep Ukraine in the global spotlight, while for many, the pain and anxiety of war accompany them throughout the event.

During a press conference after his volleyball team’s first match, Melnyk shared his story. His translator from the Ukrainian delegation could not hold back tears when Melnyk revealed the number of troops under his command, highlighting the deep emotional toll of the ongoing conflict.

“Thank God I don’t have women under my command. Not because they are poor fighters, but because it would be terrifying to send women into a situation where they could face imminent danger,” Melnyk explained.

The 45-year-old athlete left the front lines just days before the opening of the Paralympics, having served actively until August 18. His platoon is currently stationed in Chasiv Yar, a city in eastern Ukraine that has been the site of fierce battles as Ukrainian forces defend it against Russian advances.

“Before I came here, I had a platoon of 35 men. I sincerely hope that’s how many are still alive. Communication is impossible; they are in the heart of hell. I just hope they’re all okay,” Melnyk stated. “Let’s just assume there are still 35 of them.”

Melnyk is not new to the Paralympics. He has been competing for two decades. He sustained an injury to his left leg at 18, resulting in a noticeable difference in leg length. At the Paralympic Games, he represents Ukraine in sitting volleyball and was part of the team that finished fifth in Rio de Janeiro 2016.

His journey to the military was not straightforward. He recounted the difficulty of convincing the Ukrainian army that he could contribute during its ongoing conflict, which is now in its third year. “It required eight months of continuous visits to military recruitment centers and a bit of cunning on my part,” he remarked, hinting at his unconventional methods without going into detail. Initially serving as a drone operator, he ultimately became an infantry officer.

Despite his military commitments, Melnyk views the Paralympic volleyball team as his second family. “I have been practicing this sport for almost 20 years. I cannot let my team down,” he said.

Teammate Yevhenii Korinets expressed relief that military leaders permitted Melnyk to travel to Paris. He recognized the challenges inherent in serving in the army, remarking, “It’s extraordinarily difficult for him, as military service demands round-the-clock attention. You constantly deal with the stress of bombings and life-threatening situations. For us and Dmytro, being here is a tremendous achievement.”

Korinets, who is 27, also contributed to the war effort. He was severely injured by a mine explosion in March 2023 during a tumultuous battle in the region of Bakhmut, leading to the loss of his left leg. Formerly a physiotherapist, he joined the army when Russia intensified its invasion in February 2022, becoming a paramedic amidst combat.

“I simply couldn’t remain at home,” he shared, expressing willingness to enlist again if the opportunity arose. “If it were possible to restore my leg, I would do it all over again for my country.”

Ukraine’s first group-stage match ended unfavorably, with the team losing to Iran in three consecutive sets. This loss was poignant, especially considering Russia’s extensive use of Iranian drones during its attacks on Ukraine.

After the match, when asked if it felt like a personal rivalry against Iran, Korinets refrained from commenting, although the team demonstrated sportsmanship by shaking hands post-game. Regardless of the outcome, their presence in Paris signifies their resilience amid ongoing adversity.

“I have a message for the world: Don’t be afraid, and never succumb to fear, especially in the face of terrorism and violence,” Melnyk urged, emphasizing that fear only leads to more loss of life, not just in Ukraine, but globally. “Everyone should understand this reality.”

Source: Associated Press