First time in history: Ukrainian amputee veterans begin Everest ascent

This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine.

Veterans who lost limbs in the war are heading to Everest Base Camp as part of the Limitless project.

The team includes Ivan Taran, a fighter from the Artan unit who lost his foot during the battles for Bakhmut, and Oleksandr Dashko, a KRAKEN veteran and para-jiu-jitsu vice world champion who was injured in the Kharkiv region.

"I was a civilian, and when the war began, I traded my shirt for body armor. I had a major amputation, but now I’m changing clothes again—this time into sports gear, because I’m going to Everest. To prove that life doesn’t end after an amputation," said Oleksandr Dashko.

The veterans are joined by climbers Tetyana Yalovchak and Taras Pozniy, along with journalist Roman Bebekh, who is documenting the journey for his YouTube channel, Bombardyr.

The goal of the project is to raise 3 million UAH to buy equipment that treats phantom pain in wounded soldiers at the UNBROKEN Ukraine center. Donations can be made via the link.

"We are not broken. And we want the world to see it. Every step we take isn’t just about climbing—it’s Ukraine rising before the eyes of the world," said Ivan Taran.

• Russia is dedicating increasing funds each year to militarizing children, particularly in occupied Ukrainian territories, aiming to form a new army.