Dmytro Melnyk, a Ukrainian volleyball player and infantry officer, had to leave behind his platoon of 35 soldiers on the front lines of the conflict against Russia to come to Paris to compete in the Paralympic Games. He expressed his concern about not being able to contact them due to the intense situation they are in and hopes to find his entire platoon safe upon his return. Despite their focus on the pursuit of medals, the Ukrainian delegation of 141 athletes carries the weight of the ongoing Russian invasion on their minds, making it hard to separate the agony of war from their athletic endeavors.
During a press conference following his team’s match, Melnyk’s translator broke down in tears as Melnyk shared the bone-chilling reality of the war and his responsibilities as a commander. Melnyk, a Paralympic veteran, competes in sitting volleyball and has previous experience from the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro. Despite facing difficulties in convincing the military of his capabilities to contribute to the fight against Russia, he now serves as an infantry officer after being a drone operator.
Teammate Yevhenii Korinets, who also served in the war and sustained severe injuries, expressed pride in Melnyk’s presence at the Paralympics amid his continuous service in the military. Their first group-stage match resulted in a loss to Iran, a country that has been supporting Russia in the conflict with its drone capabilities. Korinets, a military paramedic, emphasized his willingness to continue serving his country, even if it meant sacrificing more for the cause.
Despite the challenges and losses experienced by the Ukrainian team members, their presence in Paris symbolizes their resilience and determination to continue representing their nation despite the ongoing conflict. Melnyk shared a message urging people not to live in fear, especially in the face of terrorism and violence, emphasizing the need for global awareness and unity in preventing further loss of lives.
