As Ukraine’s war with Russia extends into its fourth year, the human cost of the conflict continues to mount, with a staggering number of wounded soldiers and civilians profoundly reshaping the country’s landscape of survival and resilience. One of the most visible and heart-wrenching consequences of this war is the emergence of a new generation of amputees—men and women who have lost limbs to mines, artillery, drone strikes, and other brutal realities of modern warfare. This growing community of wounded veterans is not only redefining what it means to survive in a nation under siege but also inspiring stories of courage and determination that transcend the battlefield.
A powerful new documentary titled “Second Wind” premiered recently at the French ambassador’s residence in Washington, D.C., offering an intimate and uplifting portrayal of this phenomenon. Directed by Kyiv-born filmmaker Masha Kondakova, the film follows the journey of four amputee soldiers and a female sniper, all severely injured in combat, as they undertake the extraordinary feat of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro—the highest peak in Africa. This climb serves as a metaphor for their grit and perseverance, echoing Ukraine’s broader struggle to rise from the devastation of war. The documentary highlights not just the physical challenges these veterans face but also the psychological resilience required to reclaim their lives after injury.
The scale of injuries in Ukraine is staggering. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reported that approximately 380,000 Ukrainian troops have been wounded since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in early 2022. International medical organizations estimate that between 20,000 and 50,000 Ukrainians—both soldiers and civilians—have undergone amputations, with the World Health Organization suggesting the number could approach 100,000. Such unprecedented numbers have placed enormous strain on Ukraine’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly its medical and rehabilitation systems. Hospitals and prosthetic centers are overwhelmed, working tirelessly to provide care and support for those who have suffered life-altering injuries.
“Second Wind” provides a unique window into this world of recovery and renewal. Kondakova, who began documenting the conflict on the front lines back in 2014, chose to focus her lens not on the war itself but on what comes after survival. In an interview with CBS News at the Ukrainian embassy in Washington, she emphasized that the film’s purpose was to highlight the strength of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances. “We didn’t want to make a movie about the war,” she explained. “It’s about our simple people, simple guys and one girl who became heroes because they’re constantly overcoming their personal limits.”
Her words resonate deeply: “Just take one step, and you will find your second wind. Maybe not with the first step — but with the second, you will.” This philosophy captures the essence of the film and the message Kondakova wants to share—a testament to human resilience and the power of hope.
“Second Wind” also serves as the culmination of Kondakova’s trilogy on Ukrainian resilience. Her earlier works focused on women in combat roles at a time when female fighters were not widely recognized, and on the experiences of youth whose lives were disrupted by war. This latest film shifts from the trenches in eastern Ukraine to the challenging summit of Kilimanjaro, symbolizing the journey from injury and trauma to empowerment and strength. “It’s about how our scars become our strength,” Kondakova said.
Among the film’s featured veterans is Mykhailo Matviiv, a soldier who lost a leg to a Russian airstrike but has since returned to the front lines as a drone operator. Speaking through a translator during the Washington screening, Matviiv said returning to active duty was not a matter of choice but of necessity. “I can’t live a normal life while my brothers are still at the front,” he said. Despite the trauma of his injury, he emphasized his determination not to be a burden on others and his belief that he can still contribute meaningfully to Ukraine’s defense.
Matviiv also recounted harrowing details of the battlefield, including instances where enemy forces deliberately targeted individual soldiers to lure medics and evacuation teams into ambushes. His testimony underscores the brutal and calculated nature of the conflict, as well as the resilience required to endure it. He stressed that the film is not meant to elicit pity but to inspire and motivate others. “Life doesn’t end with an injury,” he said simply. “You just climb your own personal summit, step by step.”