Bilderserien
Ukrainian-soldier-Andrii-Onopriienko-center-31-who-lost-both-eyes-in-2023-and-is-now-a-member-of-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-attends-rehabilitation-classes-with-fellow-veterans-at-a-climbing-wall-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-December-2-2025-Like-the-other-veterans-in-his-Kyiv-based-group-of-around-15-actors-Onopriienko-has-found-healing-and-fulfilment-on-stage-after-a-friend-told-him-about-a-theatre-looking-for-injured-veterans-and-suggested-he-join-Yes-we-might-not-have-an-arm-or-legs-or-eyes-but-we-aren-t-giving-up-he-said-It-s-rehabilitation-and-socialisation-it-s-positive-emotions-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Andrii Onopriienko, hier in der Mitte zu sehen, ist Laienschauspieler und steht vor einer großen Herausforderung: Er kann seinen Text nur durch Zuhören auswendig lernen, denn …Bild 1 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Ukrainian-soldier-Andrii-Onopriienko-31-who-lost-both-eyes-when-two-Russian-anti-tank-rounds-struck-his-position-in-the-eastern-city-of-Avdiivka-in-2023-rehearses-with-the-Veterans-Theatre-for-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-November-19-2025-Like-the-other-veterans-in-his-Kyiv-based-group-of-around-15-actors-Onopriienko-has-found-healing-and-fulfilment-on-stage-after-a-friend-told-him-about-a-theatre-looking-for-injured-veterans-and-suggested-he-join-Yes-we-might-not-have-an-arm-or-legs-or-eyes-but-we-aren-t-giving-up-he-said-It-s-rehabilitation-and-socialisation-it-s-positive-emotions-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
… der 31-jährige ukrainische Soldat verlor 2023 beide Augen, als zwei russische Panzerabwehrgranaten seine Stellung in der ostukrainischen Stadt Awdijiwka trafen.Bild 2 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Members-of-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-during-a-summer-performance-at-a-documentary-movies-festival-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-August-17-2025-Fellow-member-and-veterans-psychologist-Yehor-Babenko-27-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-He-said-it-was-critical-for-his-fellow-comrades-to-understand-that-life-does-not-simply-end-after-a-serious-injury-Sometimes-you-understand-it-s-the-opposite-that-it-just-starts-getting-going-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Ein Freund hatte ihm von einem Theater in Kiew erzählt, das verletzte Veteranen und Veteraninnen sucht, und ihm vorgeschlagen, mitzumachen. Er willigte nur widerstrebend ein.Bild 3 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Ukrainian-soldier-Artem-Moroz-46-bows-to-the-audience-after-the-premiere-of-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-performed-by-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-December-4-2025-Fellow-member-and-veterans-psychologist-Yehor-Babenko-27-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-He-said-it-was-critical-for-his-fellow-comrades-to-understand-that-life-does-not-simply-end-after-a-serious-injury-Sometimes-you-understand-it-s-the-opposite-that-it-just-starts-getting-going-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Doch wie auch die anderen Kriegsversehrten in seiner etwa 15-köpfigen Gruppe findet Onopriienko auf der Bühne Heilung und Erfüllung.Bild 4 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Ukrainian-soldier-Artem-Moroz-46-who-lost-both-legs-rehearses-with-the-Veterans-Theatre-before-the-premiere-of-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-December-4-2025-Fellow-member-and-veterans-psychologist-Yehor-Babenko-27-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-He-said-it-was-critical-for-his-fellow-comrades-to-understand-that-life-does-not-simply-end-after-a-serious-injury-Sometimes-you-understand-it-s-the-opposite-that-it-just-starts-getting-going-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
"Ja, wir haben vielleicht keinen Arm, keine Beine oder keine Augen mehr - aber wir geben nicht auf", sagt er.Bild 5 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Shoes-and-crutches-belonging-to-members-of-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-lie-on-the-floor-during-rehearsal-of-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-November-12-2025-Fellow-member-and-veterans-psychologist-Yehor-Babenko-27-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-He-said-it-was-critical-for-his-fellow-comrades-to-understand-that-life-does-not-simply-end-after-a-serious-injury-Sometimes-you-understand-it-s-the-opposite-that-it-just-starts-getting-going-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Der russische Angriffskrieg dauert bald fünf Jahre und hat unzählige ukrainische Soldaten und Soldatinnen verwundet. Zehntausenden mussten ein Arm, ein Bein oder gleich mehrere Gliedmaßen amputiert werden.Bild 6 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Inna-Korolenko-26-a-member-of-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-smokes-with-the-theatre-s-staff-before-the-premiere-of-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-December-4-2025-Fellow-member-and-veterans-psychologist-Yehor-Babenko-27-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-He-said-it-was-critical-for-his-fellow-comrades-to-understand-that-life-does-not-simply-end-after-a-serious-injury-Sometimes-you-understand-it-s-the-opposite-that-it-just-starts-getting-going-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Viele der Menschen, die lebensverändernde Verletzungen erlitten haben, kämpfen darum, wieder Teil der Gesellschaft zu sein. Und die Gesellschaft selbst ringt mit sich, wie sie diese Männer und Frauen integrieren kann.Bild 7 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Members-of-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-rehearse-for-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-November-12-2025-Fellow-member-and-veterans-psychologist-Yehor-Babenko-27-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-He-said-it-was-critical-for-his-fellow-comrades-to-understand-that-life-does-not-simply-end-after-a-serious-injury-Sometimes-you-understand-it-s-the-opposite-that-it-just-starts-getting-going-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Die Bewältigungsstrategien sind unterschiedlich. Onopriienko und seine Kameraden und Kameradinnen, von denen niemand zuvor jemals geschauspielert hat, zeigen sich auf der Bühne.Bild 8 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Members-of-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-prepare-to-rehearse-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-September-7-2025-Fellow-member-and-veterans-psychologist-Yehor-Babenko-27-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-He-said-it-was-critical-for-his-fellow-comrades-to-understand-that-life-does-not-simply-end-after-a-serious-injury-Sometimes-you-understand-it-s-the-opposite-that-it-just-starts-getting-going-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Reuters-Fotografen begleiteten die Gruppe bei ihren Vorbereitungen für die avantgardistische Aufführung einer ukrainischen Parodie auf Vergils Aeneis aus dem 18. Jahrhundert.Bild 9 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Inna-Korolenko-26-hugs-fellow-veteran-Andrii-Onopriienko-31-who-lost-both-eyes-when-two-Russian-anti-tank-rounds-struck-his-position-in-the-eastern-city-of-Avdiivka-in-2023-during-rehearsal-with-the-Veterans-Theatre-for-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-December-4-2025-Like-the-other-veterans-in-his-Kyiv-based-group-of-around-15-actors-Onopriienko-has-found-healing-and-fulfilment-on-stage-after-a-friend-told-him-about-a-theatre-looking-for-injured-veterans-and-suggested-he-join-Yes-we-might-not-have-an-arm-or-legs-or-eyes-but-we-aren-t-giving-up-he-said-It-s-rehabilitation-and-socialisation-it-s-positive-emotions-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
"Es geht um Rehabilitation und Sozialisierung", erklärt Onopriienko. Und um positive Emotionen.Bild 10 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Ivan-Voinov-front-33-and-fellow-members-of-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-perform-during-the-premiere-of-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-December-4-2025-Fellow-member-and-veterans-psychologist-Yehor-Babenko-27-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-He-said-it-was-critical-for-his-fellow-comrades-to-understand-that-life-does-not-simply-end-after-a-serious-injury-Sometimes-you-understand-it-s-the-opposite-that-it-just-starts-getting-going-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Der Krieg hat in weiten Teilen der Ukraine und ihrer Bevölkerung tiefe Narben hinterlassen und trotz Friedensbemühungen ist aktuell kein Ende in Sicht.Bild 11 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Ukrainian-soldier-Yehor-Babenko-27-a-member-of-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-holds-a-selfie-taken-before-he-was-wounded-at-the-Tytanovi-rehabilitation-center-where-he-works-as-a-veterans-psychologist-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-January-21-2026-Babenko-was-wounded-in-the-first-year-of-fighting-when-Russian-forces-struck-his-base-in-the-southern-region-of-Mykolaiv-but-that-did-not-stop-him-from-committing-to-months-of-taxing-rehearsals-full-of-dancing-twirling-and-tumbling-He-said-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-I-know-a-lot-of-cases-where-people-opened-up-or-tried-things-they-never-dared-to-try-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES-NO-RESALES
Der 27-jährige Yehor Babenko wurde im ersten Kriegsjahr verwundet, als russische Truppen seine Basis in der südlichen Region Mykolajiw angriffen.Bild 12 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Ukrainian-soldier-Yehor-Babenko-27-who-began-working-as-a-veterans-psychologist-last-year-performs-at-the-premiere-of-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-performed-by-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-December-4-2025-Babenko-was-wounded-in-the-first-year-of-fighting-when-Russian-forces-struck-his-base-in-the-southern-region-of-Mykolaiv-but-that-did-not-stop-him-from-committing-to-months-of-taxing-rehearsals-full-of-dancing-twirling-and-tumbling-He-said-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-I-know-a-lot-of-cases-where-people-opened-up-or-tried-things-they-never-dared-to-try-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Sein Gesicht ist durch schwere Verbrennungen gezeichnet. Um sprechen zu können, reguliert er einen Schlauch in seinem Hals mit einer Hand. An beiden Händen fehlen ihm alle Finger.Bild 13 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Ukrainian-soldier-Yehor-Babenko-27-who-began-working-as-a-veterans-psychologist-last-year-lies-on-the-floor-before-rehearsing-with-the-Veterans-Theatre-for-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-September-7-2025-Babenko-was-wounded-in-the-first-year-of-fighting-when-Russian-forces-struck-his-base-in-the-southern-region-of-Mykolaiv-but-that-did-not-stop-him-from-committing-to-months-of-taxing-rehearsals-full-of-dancing-twirling-and-tumbling-He-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-I-know-a-lot-of-cases-where-people-opened-up-or-tried-things-they-never-dared-to-try-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Das hindert ihn jedoch nicht daran, sich auf monatelange anstrengende Proben mit Tanz, Drehungen und Saltos einzulassen.Bild 14 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Members-of-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-celebrate-the-birthday-of-founder-Akhtem-Seitablaiev-at-their-rehearsal-place-in-Crimean-House-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-December-13-2025-Fellow-member-and-veterans-psychologist-Yehor-Babenko-27-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-He-said-it-was-critical-for-his-fellow-comrades-to-understand-that-life-does-not-simply-end-after-a-serious-injury-Sometimes-you-understand-it-s-the-opposite-that-it-just-starts-getting-going-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Babenko arbeitet seit einem Jahr als Psychologe für Veteranen. Durch schwere Verletzungen ausgelöste Traumata zwängen Menschen oft dazu, in etwas Neuem einen Sinn zu suchen, erklärt er.Bild 15 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Ukrainian-soldier-Andrii-Onopriienko-31-who-lost-both-eyes-in-2023-and-is-now-a-member-of-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-feeds-a-horse-with-the-help-of-Valeriia-the-assistant-of-a-Trinity-hub-rehabilitation-centre-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-December-2-2025-Like-the-other-veterans-in-his-Kyiv-based-group-of-around-15-actors-Onopriienko-has-found-healing-and-fulfilment-on-stage-after-a-friend-told-him-about-a-theatre-looking-for-injured-veterans-and-suggested-he-join-Yes-we-might-not-have-an-arm-or-legs-or-eyes-but-we-aren-t-giving-up-he-said-It-s-rehabilitation-and-socialisation-it-s-positive-emotions-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
"Ich kenne viele Fälle, in denen Menschen sich geöffnet oder Dinge ausprobiert haben, die sie sich nie zuvor getraut hätten."Bild 16 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Roman-Trokhymenko-right-57-who-lost-his-right-leg-in-2024-and-fellow-member-of-the-Veteran-s-Theatre-group-Ivan-Voinov-33-read-the-original-text-of-Ivan-Kotliarevskyi-s-Eneida-before-rehearsing-for-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-September-7-2025-Like-the-other-veterans-in-his-Kyiv-based-group-of-around-15-actors-Trokhymenko-has-found-healing-and-fulfilment-on-stage-participating-in-the-theatre-has-helped-reinforce-the-confidence-he-has-tried-hard-to-maintain-since-his-injury-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Roman Trokhymenko verlor 2024 sein rechtes Bein. Die Teilnahme am Theaterprojekt habe dazu beigetragen, das Selbstvertrauen des 57-Jährigen zu stärken, das er seit seiner Verletzung mühsam versuchte, aufrechtzuerhalten.Bild 17 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Olha-Semoshkina-top-right-chief-choreographer-of-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-talks-to-the-actors-before-the-premiere-of-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-December-4-2025-Fellow-member-and-veterans-psychologist-Yehor-Babenko-27-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-He-said-it-was-critical-for-his-fellow-comrades-to-understand-that-life-does-not-simply-end-after-a-serious-injury-Sometimes-you-understand-it-s-the-opposite-that-it-just-starts-getting-going-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Regisseurin Olha Semoshkina (hinten rechts im Bild) erklärt, sie habe die Rollen, die stark auf körperliche Bewegung ausgerichtet sind, individuell auf die Verletzungen der einzelnen Teilnehmenden zugeschnitten.Bild 18 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Ukrainian-soldier-and-combat-medic-Inna-Korolenko-26-puts-on-make-up-in-a-dressing-room-before-the-premiere-of-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-performed-by-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-December-4-2025-Fellow-member-and-veterans-psychologist-Yehor-Babenko-27-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-He-said-it-was-critical-for-his-fellow-comrades-to-understand-that-life-does-not-simply-end-after-a-serious-injury-Sometimes-you-understand-it-s-the-opposite-that-it-just-starts-getting-going-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Für die Schauspieler und Schauspielerinnen bringt das Auftreten auf einer Bühne aber nicht nur körperliche Herausforderungen mit sich.Bild 19 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Ukrainian-soldier-Yehor-Babenko-27-a-member-of-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-sits-in-the-psychotherapy-room-at-the-Tytanovi-rehabilitation-center-where-he-works-as-a-veterans-psychologist-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-November-19-2025-Babenko-was-wounded-in-the-first-year-of-fighting-when-Russian-forces-struck-his-base-in-the-southern-region-of-Mykolaiv-but-that-did-not-stop-him-from-committing-to-months-of-taxing-rehearsals-full-of-dancing-twirling-and-tumbling-He-said-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-I-know-a-lot-of-cases-where-people-opened-up-or-tried-things-they-never-dared-to-try-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Für Babenko beispielsweise war es schwierig, sich an ein kreatives Umfeld anzupassen, das freies Denken fördert, nachdem er jahrelang in der strengen Ordnung des Militärs gelebt hat.Bild 20 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Ivan-Voinov-33-signs-a-picture-of-all-the-members-of-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-before-the-premiere-of-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-December-4-2025-Fellow-member-and-veterans-psychologist-Yehor-Babenko-27-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-He-said-it-was-critical-for-his-fellow-comrades-to-understand-that-life-does-not-simply-end-after-a-serious-injury-Sometimes-you-understand-it-s-the-opposite-that-it-just-starts-getting-going-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Der 53-jährige Taras Kozub verlor seinen linken Arm, nachdem er eine feindliche Stellung an der Südostfront gestürmt hatte. Heute spielt der Volksmusikliebhaber eine Drehleier mit einer speziell angefertigten Prothese, die direkt am Instrument befestigt ist.Bild 21 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Nataliia-Plokhotniuk-61-a-member-of-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-holds-an-awarded-medal-she-got-during-rehersal-for-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-September-10-2025-Fellow-member-and-veterans-psychologist-Yehor-Babenko-27-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-He-said-it-was-critical-for-his-fellow-comrades-to-understand-that-life-does-not-simply-end-after-a-serious-injury-Sometimes-you-understand-it-s-the-opposite-that-it-just-starts-getting-going-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Er meint, dass das Theater eine Herausforderung ist und vermutlich nicht für jeden Veteranen die richtige Lösung darstellt.Bild 22 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Costumes-and-items-belonging-to-members-of-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-are-displayed-during-rehearsal-for-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-September-10-2025-Fellow-member-and-veterans-psychologist-Yehor-Babenko-27-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-He-said-it-was-critical-for-his-fellow-comrades-to-understand-that-life-does-not-simply-end-after-a-serious-injury-Sometimes-you-understand-it-s-the-opposite-that-it-just-starts-getting-going-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
"Das Erste, was mir klar wurde, war, dass man auf der Bühne niemanden täuschen kann", sagt er. "Es ist, als stünde man nackt da."Bild 23 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
A-person-gives-flowers-to-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-at-the-end-of-the-premiere-of-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-December-4-2025-Fellow-member-and-veterans-psychologist-Yehor-Babenko-27-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-He-said-it-was-critical-for-his-fellow-comrades-to-understand-that-life-does-not-simply-end-after-a-serious-injury-Sometimes-you-understand-it-s-the-opposite-that-it-just-starts-getting-going-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Während der Premiere in Kiew bewegen sich die Veteranen unter grellen Neonlichtern und zu Live-Musik von Kozub und anderen Musikern über die Bühne.Bild 24 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
The-audience-reacts-after-the-premiere-of-an-18th-century-Ukrainian-parody-of-Virgil-s-Aeneid-performed-by-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-December-4-2025-Member-of-the-theater-group-and-veterans-psychologist-Yehor-Babenko-27-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-He-said-it-was-critical-for-his-fellow-comrades-to-understand-that-life-does-not-simply-end-after-a-serious-injury-Sometimes-you-understand-it-s-the-opposite-that-it-just-starts-getting-going-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Das Publikum spendet ihnen tosenden Applaus. Einige weinen und halten sich in den Armen.Bild 25 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Inna-Korolenko-26-a-veteran-combat-medic-practices-ahead-of-a-national-archery-competition-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-September-11-2025-Fellow-member-and-veterans-psychologist-Yehor-Babenko-27-said-the-transformative-trauma-of-serious-injury-often-compels-people-to-seek-meaning-in-something-new-He-said-it-was-critical-for-his-fellow-comrades-to-understand-that-life-does-not-simply-end-after-a-serious-injury-Sometimes-you-understand-it-s-the-opposite-that-it-just-starts-getting-going-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
Es sei für seine Kameraden und Kameradinnen entscheidend gewesen, zu verstehen, dass das Leben nach einer schweren Verletzung nicht einfach endet, sagt Babenko: …Bild 26 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS
Mykola-Kobyliuk-Ukrainian-serviceman-and-manager-of-the-Veterans-Theatre-group-assists-Ukrainian-soldier-Andrii-Onopriienko-31-who-lost-both-eyes-in-2023-and-is-also-a-member-of-the-theatre-group-amid-Russia-s-attack-on-Ukraine-in-Kyiv-Ukraine-December-4-2025-Like-the-other-veterans-in-his-Kyiv-based-group-of-around-15-actors-Onopriienko-has-found-healing-and-fulfilment-on-stage-after-a-friend-told-him-about-a-theatre-looking-for-injured-veterans-and-suggested-he-join-Yes-we-might-not-have-an-arm-or-legs-or-eyes-but-we-aren-t-giving-up-he-said-It-s-rehabilitation-and-socialisation-it-s-positive-emotions-REUTERS-Alina-Smutko-SEARCH-UKRAINE-SMUTKO-THEATRE-FOR-THIS-STORY-SEARCH-WIDER-IMAGE-FOR-ALL-STORIES
… "Manchmal versteht man, dass es genau das Gegenteil ist - dass es gerade erst richtig losgeht." (kse/rts)Bild 27 von 27 | Foto: REUTERS

Veteranen-Theater in KiewKriegsverletzte finden auf der Bühne Heilung

01.02.2026, 10:43 Uhr

Sie haben gegen die russischen Invasoren gekämpft und dabei Arme, Beine und Augen verloren. Aber sie geben nicht auf. In Kiew führen ukrainische Kriegsveteranen und -veteraninnen gemeinsam ein Theaterstück auf.