Maksym Ostroushko, a Ukrainian military veteran, has come a long way from the horrors he experienced during his nearly two years as a prisoner of war when he was captured by Russian forces. At just 27 years old, he was the sole survivor of a military unit of 35 men, and throughout his detention in various places, including Siberia, he endured severe torture. His journey through recovery and rehabilitation reflects the struggles faced by many veterans who have survived such trauma in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Currently, Maksym is receiving support from a charitable organization called Wings of Victory, which is associated with Christian Aid. This nonprofit offers hippotherapy, a therapeutic approach that utilizes horseback riding as a form of emotional and physical healing. During a recent session in the Kyiv oblast, Maksym rode a horse named Barcelona, symbolizing his newfound freedom and the support he is receiving which is instrumental in aiding his recovery. He, along with other veterans, is slowly finding hope and healing amidst their painful pasts.

The implications of Maksym's story are profoundly tied to larger themes of war, trauma recovery, and the rehabilitation of veterans in Ukraine. As more individuals like Maksym step forward to share their experiences, it shines a light on the need for comprehensive support systems for those affected by the ongoing war. Organizations like Wings of Victory play a crucial role in facilitating recovery, showing that healing methods—such as connection with animals and nature—can have powerful effects on mental health and resilience.