Prince Harry brings spirit of Invictus to Ukraine as foundation boosts support to veterans

Prince Harry has visited injured veterans in Ukraine as his charity aims to boost the support to help them through the Invictus Games Foundation.

The organisation wants to improve sports rehabilitation facilities for those are living with life-changing injuries as a result of their service throughout the war-torn country.

The Duke of Sussex also visited a memorial to the fallen in Kyiv and spoke with disabled veterans during his time in the city.

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Former Army captain David Wiseman – who is part of the Invictus Games Foundation – was also on the trip.

He said: "A lot of the sports recovery activities are really centralised in Lviv and Kyiv.

"And what they've been asked to help us with is the decentralisation of sports recovery activity.

"Ukraine is a vast country, and people obviously live in loads of places across that vast country.

"So, getting into Lviv and Kyiv to access sports recovery for many is too much of a barrier. 

"What we're going to do is we're going to help the decentralisation of sports recovery away from Lviv and Kyiv so that more and more men and women can access high-quality sports recovery activities and provision as part of their recovery and rehabilitation process."

There are currently 1.3 million veterans in Ukraine, and that will likely rise to 1.5 million in the near future, with an estimated 10% living with a disability as a result of their service.

The Ukrainian government is looking to work with the Invictus Games Foundation to improve the country's sports rehabilitation programme and offer those injured in the line of duty more support for their recovery.

"I was an infantry officer in the British Army," Mr Wiseman added. "I was commanding an operational mentor liaison team embedded within the Afghan forces.

"We were conducting an advance to contact in Nadi Ali district in Central Helmand when we contacted the enemy, and in the process of that firefight, I was struck in the chest by a round that obviously, you know, [was a] very serious injury and ended my military career."

He went on: "Sport was integral in my recovery and rehabilitation process and, really the epitome of that, the real epitome moment was going through the Invictus Games.

"But we do so much more than just the Games.

"Our year-round programming supports men and women who serve all around the world. Our community of nations now numbers 25.

"We're having a real impact on changing lives and saving lives around the world.

"Sports recovery can be a really important catalyst for recovery and onward rehabilitation with any injury."

Prince Harry met some of those who have fought on the frontline against the Russian invasion – including those who have suffered life-changing injuries and been part of the Invictus Games journey.

Veteran Vasyl Tamulis said: "Being selected for the Invictus Games unites people and motivates them because it is a very difficult selection process.

"One should go to the gym a few times per week, be in a good shape and strong, and be ready for various challenges."