SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

From War to Paralympics: "A Hell"

The Platoon Commander Dmytro Melnyk left his soldiers ten days before the Paralympics started. He can only hope that everyone is alive when he returns from Paris. They are in the midst of hell, says the volleyball player.

» Published: 01 September 2024

From War to Paralympics: "A Hell"
Photo: Christophe Ena/AP/TT

Despite Russia's war of invasion, Ukraine has the seventh largest team with 140 para-athletes at the ongoing European Championship in Paris.

One of them is the sitting volleyball player Dmytro Melnyk. Ten days before the games started in the French capital, the 45-year-old was in Tjasiv Jar in eastern Ukraine.

There, he is in command of a platoon of 35 soldiers, which is part of Ukraine's defense of the strategically important city.

The interpreter broke down

I hope there are as many left. I haven't called anyone and there is no possibility of communication there, since they are in the midst of hell, says Dmytro Melnyk, via an interpreter, after the Ukrainian team's premiere loss against Iran.

In Tjasiv Jar – which is located near the previously heavily contested Bachmut – battles have been raging since February. In July, the Ukrainian military reported that Russia has lost up to 5,000 soldiers in battles over a single city district.

When Melnyk met journalists, the interpreter broke down in tears when the volleyball player was asked about how many men and women he has in his platoon.

I thank God that I don't have any women under my command. Not because they would be bad soldiers, but because it's very scary to send women to places where there is a high probability of being killed, he says according to the AP news agency.

Melnyk is a Paralympics veteran and was part of the team when Ukraine finished fifth in Rio de Janeiro 2016. He injured his left leg in an accident when he was 18 years old and it has been about five centimeters shorter than his right leg since then.

Constant bombings

It took a lot of persuasion for the Ukrainian military to let him enlist after Russia's invasion in February 2022. After eight months of persistent visits to military recruitment offices and "a little trickery", it worked, he says.

Teammate Jevhen Korinets is proud that Dmytro Melnyk is part of the Ukrainian team in Paris.

It's tough for him because it's a 24/7 job being part of the army. The constant bombings and life-threatening situations are stressful, and it's an achievement for us and Dmytro that we're here, says Jevhen Korinets via an interpreter.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

After the racism scandal in El Clásico – three arrested
1 MIN READ

After the racism scandal in El Clásico – three arrested

Clear: European Championship Silver for Sweden
1 MIN READ

Clear: European Championship Silver for Sweden

Johaug's strong comeback – major victory in Beitostölen
1 MIN READ

Johaug's strong comeback – major victory in Beitostölen

Assignments: Mellberg takes over St Louis City
1 MIN READ

Assignments: Mellberg takes over St Louis City

Time for F1 show in Las Vegas – the title can be secured
3 MIN READ

Time for F1 show in Las Vegas – the title can be secured

The Netherlands took a historic place in the European Championship final
1 MIN READ

The Netherlands took a historic place in the European Championship final

Double Nylander in Toronto – gets a one-year contract
1 MIN READ

Double Nylander in Toronto – gets a one-year contract

Åberg's Superround - eight under par
2 MIN READ

Åberg's Superround - eight under par

Swedish Super Upset Against the World Champion: "Goosebumps"
2 MIN READ

Swedish Super Upset Against the World Champion: "Goosebumps"

MMA star Conor McGregor found guilty of rape
2 MIN READ

MMA star Conor McGregor found guilty of rape

Tough buildup with daughter: "Tears were streaming"
2 MIN READ

Tough buildup with daughter: "Tears were streaming"

"Amorim: We're building a new club"
2 MIN READ

"Amorim: We're building a new club"

The return match in the top division qualifying round is moved
1 MIN READ

The return match in the top division qualifying round is moved

He takes over the world's toughest football job
3 MIN READ

He takes over the world's toughest football job

Oscar Wendt Ends His Career
1 MIN READ

Oscar Wendt Ends His Career

Appealed too late – must pay 630 million
1 MIN READ

Appealed too late – must pay 630 million

Finland's national team captain is fired
1 MIN READ

Finland's national team captain is fired

The Club Avoids Bankruptcy – But the Crisis Is Not Over
1 MIN READ

The Club Avoids Bankruptcy – But the Crisis Is Not Over

F1 star's nightmare – wrong rear wing
1 MIN READ

F1 star's nightmare – wrong rear wing

Sundling's Premier Crush: "I'm Grateful"
2 MIN READ

Sundling's Premier Crush: "I'm Grateful"