Published TUESDAY May 21, 2024: Ukraine's 'Superhumans' Rehab by ZUMA Partner agency Le Pictorium photo-journalist Adrien Vautier: As the war in Ukraine rages on, a critical need has emerged, with some 20,000 to 50,000 Ukrainians forced to amputate one or more limbs. The Ukrainian non-profit Superhumans Center is helping survivors move forward, offering reconstructive surgery and physical and psychological support. Located in the west of the country, the rehabilitation site takes in combatants who have suffered one, two or even four amputations. Thousands of Ukrainians have suffered life-changing injuries, wounded on the battlefield and on the street. This modern rehabilitation center for adults and children in Ukraine gives these people the superhero life they deserve. Welcome to 'Ukraine's 'Superhumans' Rehab'
© zReportage.com Issue #940 Story of the Week: Published TUESDAY May 21, 2024: Ukraine's 'Superhumans' Rehab by ZUMA Partner agency Le Pictorium photo-journalist Adrien Vautier: As the war in Ukraine rages on, a critical need has emerged, with some 20,000 to 50,000 Ukrainians forced to amputate one or more limbs. The Ukrainian non-profit Superhumans Center is helping survivors move forward, offering reconstructive surgery and physical and psychological support. Located in the west of the country, the rehabilitation site takes in combatants who have suffered one, two or even four amputations. Thousands of Ukrainians have suffered life-changing injuries, wounded on the battlefield and on the street. This modern rehabilitation center for adults and children in Ukraine gives these people the superhero life they deserve. Welcome to 'Ukraine's 'Superhumans' Rehab'

Veteran SERGIY VOLKOV was in prison in Kherson at the time of the Russian invasion in February 2022. Released after the city was retaken by the Ukrainians, he joined the 23rd Brigade. The Ukrainian soldier was wounded at Robotyne in September 2023 during a sabotage mission. His right leg was amputated. After rehabilitation, Sergiy wishes to return to his brigade.
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A patient uses a wheelchair on the entrance ramp to the Superhumans center in Lviv. The rehabilitation site takes in combatants who have suffered one, two or even four amputations.
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A pair of electronic prostheses with shoes rests against a wall at the Superhumans center in Lviv. The best medical specialists from the US and the EU will be involved in the work at the rehab center.
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A patient at the Superhumans center tries out his new prosthesis, just returned from the workshop. Prostheses are made in-house at the prosthetics laboratory.
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Veteran DENIS KRYVENKO, a member of Ukraine's 57th Brigade, was wounded on the Bakhmut front in January 2023. Both his legs and his left arm were amputated. After 10 months of rehabilitation, he began working as a 1st contact officer for new arrivals at the rehab center in Lviv.
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A patient rests on a couch waiting for his treatment at the Superhumans center in Lviv. On the wall above is a map of Ukraine.
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A prosthetic foot at the Superhumans center in Lviv. It is possible to get prosthetic feet with an adjustable ankle to allow the individual to wear different height shoes.
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Two ortho prosthetists apply carbon fiber to a prosthesis mold to create a custom fitted artificial limb for a patient at the rehab center in Lviv.
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An ortho prosthetist makes the final modifications to a prosthesis before giving it to the patient. Located in the west of the country, the rehabilitation site takes in combatants who have suffered one, two or even four amputations.
© Adrien Vautier/Le Pictorium Agency via ZUMA Press

Veteran ZAKHAR is a member of the Ukrainian special forces. The explosive charge attached to his drone exploded in his face after a close bombing raid by Russian forces. He lost his left eye, both arms, one leg and the hearing in his left ear. He has just arrived at the center in Lviv for treatment.
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A patient who has lost both legs trains to walk on a treadmill. Prostheses are custom made in-house for patients at the prosthetics laboratory in Lviv.
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A therapist works with a patient who is learning to walk again with his prosthesis's at the Superhumans rehab center Lviv.
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OLGA RUDNEVA, director of the Superhumans center stands outside the rehabilitation facility in Lviv. Prior to the war, Olga served almost 20 years as Executive Director of the Elena Pinchuk Foundation, focused on fighting AIDS in Ukraine.
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War veteran ZAKHAR, a member of the Ukrainian special forces, sits with his wife Julia at the center. The explosive charge attached to his drone exploded in his face after a Russian bombing raid. He lost his left eye, both arms, one leg and the hearing in his left ear. He has just arrived at the center for treatment.
© Adrien Vautier/Le Pictorium Agency via ZUMA Press

Therapists work together with patients with prosthetic limbs in a rehab room. The Superhumans center treats between 50 and 60 patients every day.
© Adrien Vautier/Le Pictorium Agency via ZUMA Press

RUSLANA, 19, a former radio operator in the Ukrainian army, lost her left leg in February 2023 in the Kherson region when a shell hit her car. As a former patient, she now works as a therapist in charge of outdoor recreational activities at the Superhumans center.
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A 'Barbie' doll with a prosthetic leg on a table at centre Superhumans in Lviv. Thousands of Ukrainians have suffered life-changing injuries, wounded on the battlefield and on the street. This modern rehabilitation center for adults and children in Ukraine gives these people the superhero life they deserve.
© Adrien Vautier/Le Pictorium Agency via ZUMA Press

Patients relax and watch TV In the recreation room at the Superhumans center. The center has 100 beds, two surgery rooms, a prosthetics laboratory and a physiotherapy department.
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War veteran VIACHESLAV LEVYTSKYI has been at the center since November 2023. He had all 4 limbs amputated. Wounded in the legs during close combat in Avdiivka, he was thrown into prison in the Donetsk region, without any treatment. He was rescued by Chechen soldiers who found him dying in his cell. Sent to a hospital in Grozny, both his legs were amputated due to infected wounds. He also lost both his hands, which had frozen during his detention. Viacheslav eventually regained his freedom after a prisoner exchange with Russia.
© Adrien Vautier/Le Pictorium Agency via ZUMA Press