New Delhi: Dmytro MelnykA Ukrainian volleyball players and infantry officer, have made significant sacrifices to compete Paralympic Games In Paris he had to leave his troop of 35 soldiers fighting at the front. RussiaUnable to contact them from France, “they’re in the middle of hell,” he can only hope all 35 will still be there when he returns.
Ukraine’s delegation of 141 athletes faces the challenge of staying focused on their quest to win medals, with their minds often preoccupied with the ongoing Russian assault on their homeland. Some find solace in the belief that their sporting achievements help them carry them forward. Ukraine stay in the news and contribute to the national interest. However, it is clear that the horrors of war have followed them to Paris.
During a press conference after his volleyball team’s opening match, Melnyk shared his story. When asked about the number of men and women under him, his answer, although delivered in a straightforward manner, proved too emotionally overwhelming for his translator from the Ukrainian delegation, who burst into tears.
This raw display of emotion underscores the painful reality of war for those trying to escape it.
“Thank God I don’t have women under me,” Melnik said. “Not because they’re bad at fighting, but because it’s too scary to let women go to a place where there’s a high chance you’ll get killed.”
After serving on the front lines, the 45-year-old left the army on August 18, just 10 days before the start of the Paralympic Games. He said his fellow soldiers are stationed in Chasiv Yar, a strategically important town in Ukraine’s eastern region.
For several months, Ukrainian forces have been tenaciously defending the city against Russia’s repeated attempts to take control of it.
“I had a squad of 35 people before I came here. I hope there are that many left. I haven’t called anybody, and there’s no communication because they’re in the middle of hell,” Melnick said. “Let’s just assume there’s still 35 of them.”
Melnik, a seasoned Paralympic athlete, has overcome adversity to compete at the highest level. An accident at age 18 injured his left leg, resulting in a slight difference in length compared to his right leg. “When standing, his left foot is on his toes while his right foot is flat on the ground.”
Despite this challenge, Melnik excelled in sitting volleyball and represented Ukraine at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympics, where the team finished a commendable 5th.
Determined to contribute to Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s ongoing aggression, Melnik faced significant hurdles in convincing the military of his capabilities. He revealed that the process involved “constant visits” to army draft centers over an eight-month period, as well as “a little bit of manipulation.”
Melnik did not elaborate, but joked that his limp was due to the tight shoes he wore while living among the troops. His perseverance paid off, as he initially served as a drone operator and then moved into the role of an infantry officer.
However, Melnyk’s commitment to his Paralympic volleyball team is unwavering. He considers them his “second family,” having devoted nearly two decades to the sport. “I have no right to let my team down,” he insists. His teammate, Yevni Korinetsexpressed immense joy when he learned that his commanders had given Melnik permission to join him in Paris.
“It’s really hard for them because working in the army is a 24/7 job,” he said through a translator. “You’re always under stress because of the constant bombing and the constant risk to your life and for us and for Dmytro to be here is a great achievement.”
“We’re really proud to share this moment with them,” he said.
27-year-old Ukrainian Korinets experienced the horrors of war firsthand. In March 2023, during the fierce and prolonged battle for Bakhmut, a city in eastern Ukraine, he was badly hurt when a mine exploded, resulting in the amputation of his left leg.
Before the war began, Korinets was working as a physiotherapist. However, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, he decided to enlist in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. As time went on, he transitioned into the role of a military paramedic, providing vital medical assistance to his fellow soldiers on the battlefield.
“I couldn’t sit at home,” he said.
He said he would re-enroll if possible.
He said, “I really want to do this. If it was possible to get my leg back, I would want to do it again for my country.”
Ukraine suffered a setback in their first group stage match, losing in straight sets against Iran.
During the ongoing conflict, Iranian drones have been extensively used by Russia to target civilian areas and infrastructure in Ukraine. When asked if the volleyball match felt like a rivalry match to him and his teammates, Korinets declined to comment. After the game, the players shook hands.
Yet, despite the ongoing struggle for survival, the mere presence of the Ukrainian team in Paris demonstrates their unbreakable spirit and resilience.
“I have a message for the world: don’t be afraid, never be afraid of anyone, especially terrorists and murderers,” Melnik said. “The more we fear, the more people will die. And unfortunately not only in Ukraine. Everyone should realize that.”
Ukraine’s delegation of 141 athletes faces the challenge of staying focused on their quest to win medals, with their minds often preoccupied with the ongoing Russian assault on their homeland. Some find solace in the belief that their sporting achievements help them carry them forward. Ukraine stay in the news and contribute to the national interest. However, it is clear that the horrors of war have followed them to Paris.
During a press conference after his volleyball team’s opening match, Melnyk shared his story. When asked about the number of men and women under him, his answer, although delivered in a straightforward manner, proved too emotionally overwhelming for his translator from the Ukrainian delegation, who burst into tears.
This raw display of emotion underscores the painful reality of war for those trying to escape it.
“Thank God I don’t have women under me,” Melnik said. “Not because they’re bad at fighting, but because it’s too scary to let women go to a place where there’s a high chance you’ll get killed.”
After serving on the front lines, the 45-year-old left the army on August 18, just 10 days before the start of the Paralympic Games. He said his fellow soldiers are stationed in Chasiv Yar, a strategically important town in Ukraine’s eastern region.
For several months, Ukrainian forces have been tenaciously defending the city against Russia’s repeated attempts to take control of it.
“I had a squad of 35 people before I came here. I hope there are that many left. I haven’t called anybody, and there’s no communication because they’re in the middle of hell,” Melnick said. “Let’s just assume there’s still 35 of them.”
Melnik, a seasoned Paralympic athlete, has overcome adversity to compete at the highest level. An accident at age 18 injured his left leg, resulting in a slight difference in length compared to his right leg. “When standing, his left foot is on his toes while his right foot is flat on the ground.”
Despite this challenge, Melnik excelled in sitting volleyball and represented Ukraine at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympics, where the team finished a commendable 5th.
Determined to contribute to Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s ongoing aggression, Melnik faced significant hurdles in convincing the military of his capabilities. He revealed that the process involved “constant visits” to army draft centers over an eight-month period, as well as “a little bit of manipulation.”
Melnik did not elaborate, but joked that his limp was due to the tight shoes he wore while living among the troops. His perseverance paid off, as he initially served as a drone operator and then moved into the role of an infantry officer.
However, Melnyk’s commitment to his Paralympic volleyball team is unwavering. He considers them his “second family,” having devoted nearly two decades to the sport. “I have no right to let my team down,” he insists. His teammate, Yevni Korinetsexpressed immense joy when he learned that his commanders had given Melnik permission to join him in Paris.
“It’s really hard for them because working in the army is a 24/7 job,” he said through a translator. “You’re always under stress because of the constant bombing and the constant risk to your life and for us and for Dmytro to be here is a great achievement.”
“We’re really proud to share this moment with them,” he said.
27-year-old Ukrainian Korinets experienced the horrors of war firsthand. In March 2023, during the fierce and prolonged battle for Bakhmut, a city in eastern Ukraine, he was badly hurt when a mine exploded, resulting in the amputation of his left leg.
Before the war began, Korinets was working as a physiotherapist. However, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, he decided to enlist in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. As time went on, he transitioned into the role of a military paramedic, providing vital medical assistance to his fellow soldiers on the battlefield.
“I couldn’t sit at home,” he said.
He said he would re-enroll if possible.
He said, “I really want to do this. If it was possible to get my leg back, I would want to do it again for my country.”
Ukraine suffered a setback in their first group stage match, losing in straight sets against Iran.
During the ongoing conflict, Iranian drones have been extensively used by Russia to target civilian areas and infrastructure in Ukraine. When asked if the volleyball match felt like a rivalry match to him and his teammates, Korinets declined to comment. After the game, the players shook hands.
Yet, despite the ongoing struggle for survival, the mere presence of the Ukrainian team in Paris demonstrates their unbreakable spirit and resilience.
“I have a message for the world: don’t be afraid, never be afraid of anyone, especially terrorists and murderers,” Melnik said. “The more we fear, the more people will die. And unfortunately not only in Ukraine. Everyone should realize that.”
