Ukraine won’t stop fighting – This unwavering resolve is embodied by Yevhenii Korinets, a para-athlete who lost his left leg during the war with Russia.
The 25-year-old Yevhenii Korinets – former paramedic turned sitting volleyball player is determined to represent his country on every front—whether on the battlefield or the sports field. Korinets’ story is not just about personal resilience but also a testament to the indomitable spirit of a nation under siege.
Korinets was one of the many Ukrainians who volunteered to defend his country when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. Before the war, he was a physiotherapist, a career focused on helping others regain their strength and mobility.
But when the call to defend Ukraine came, he didn’t hesitate to join the army as a paramedic. He was thrown into the thick of the fighting, experiencing the horrors of war firsthand.
In March 2023, during a fierce battle near Bakhmut, Yevhenii Korinets’ life changed forever. A severe injury led to the amputation of his left leg at the hip.
The loss of a limb is a devastating blow to anyone, but for Korinets, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Despite the physical and emotional pain, he made a promise to himself and his country: Ukraine won’t stop fighting.
The months following his injury were grueling. The initial pain was intense, requiring strong medication to manage. The first two to three months were particularly challenging, as Korinets had to come to terms with his new reality.
But he refused to be defeated. “Ukraine won’t stop fighting,” he kept telling himself, using those words as a mantra to push through the pain and the challenges ahead.
Sport became Korinets’ lifeline. A former volleyball player, he found solace in returning to the sport he loved, albeit in a new form—sitting volleyball. The adrenaline rush of competition, though different from that of military action, provided a familiar and much-needed sense of purpose.
“War is the biggest drug in the world,” he said, acknowledging the addictive nature of the adrenaline he once felt on the battlefield. Now, sport offered him a similar rush, helping him rehabilitate both physically and mentally.
His journey back to the volleyball court was not just about personal healing. It was also about representing Ukraine on the international stage. Yevhenii Korinets joined the Ukrainian Paralympic team, determined to show the world that Ukraine won’t stop fighting. Even if his team is out of medal contention, his presence in Paris for the Paralympics is a powerful statement of resistance and resilience.
The camaraderie he found in his teammates mirrors the bond shared by soldiers on the battlefield. “We are one team, one family. It’s the same as on the front line,” Yevhenii Korinets explained.
This unity, this collective strength, is what keeps them going—both in sports and in their ongoing fight for Ukraine’s freedom. Ukraine won’t stop fighting because it is more than just a struggle for survival; it is a fight for the future of their nation.
Despite the challenges on the sports field, including losses against Iran and Germany, Yevhenii Korinets remains focused. He understands that the fight is not just about winning medals but about standing tall as a symbol of Ukrainian perseverance.
“Ukraine won’t stop fighting,” he emphasizes, knowing that his presence in the Games is a message to the world that his country is still in the struggle, still fighting for its place on the global stage.
Korinets’ determination is not without its frustrations. He is particularly disheartened by the presence of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Paralympics, even though they compete as neutrals without flags. For him and his teammates, their presence is a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict.
“We don’t really accept this. We don’t like it,” he admitted, reflecting the anger and pain that many Ukrainians feel about the invasion of their homeland. Yet, even in the face of such provocations, Ukraine won’t stop fighting, and neither will Korinets.
The support of fellow athletes from other countries has been a source of comfort and solidarity for the Ukrainian team. The sight of other athletes showing disdain for the neutral competitors from Russia and Belarus has bolstered their spirits. Ukraine won’t stop fighting, and this international support reinforces their resolve.
Yevhenii Korinets is clear about his mission. “Even under such circumstances as our country is facing, we continue to fight for our freedom, not only on the battlefield but also on the sports field,” he said. His words resonate deeply, not just with his teammates but with all Ukrainians who are enduring the hardships of war.
Ukraine won’t stop fighting, because for them, the fight extends beyond the physical; it is a battle of the spirit, a battle for their identity and future.
As the 2024 Paralympics progress, Ukraine has already amassed an impressive medal tally, with 27 medals, including three golds. This success on the sports field is a powerful symbol of the country’s resilience and determination. Every victory, every medal, is a testament to the fact that Ukraine won’t stop fighting.
These achievements are not just about personal glory for the athletes; they are a source of national pride and a reminder to the world that Ukraine is still standing, still fighting.
Yevhenii Korinets’ journey from the battlefield to the Paralympic Games is a story of resilience, courage, and unwavering resolve. It is a story that embodies the spirit of a nation that refuses to be defeated.
Ukraine won’t stop fighting, and as long as there are people like Yevhenii Korinets representing their country, the world will continue to hear that message loud and clear.
The struggle for Ukraine’s freedom and sovereignty is far from over. But with individuals like Yevhenii Korinets leading the charge, both on and off the battlefield, there is hope. Ukraine won’t stop fighting, and as long as they continue to resist, there is a future to fight for.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏