On June 27, the world will witness a unique project: the charitable foundation “Dopomogator” in collaboration with photographer Stanislav Strilts will present the series “The Body Remembers.” The photographs feature Ukrainian soldiers who lost limbs in the war and have embarked on new lives. Vogue.ua discusses the project’s mission.
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“I had an immense desire to showcase the strength, courage, and dignity of masculine beauty beyond injury. I was concerned that society often views veterans through the lens of loss, pain, and pity, as this perspective sometimes overshadows the essential element—the person themselves. Their strength. Their character. Their inner light. It was crucial for me to shift the focus of perception, both within Ukraine and internationally. To present Ukrainian defenders not as symbols of tragedy, but as strong, beautiful, profound individuals who have endured war yet retained their essence,” shares Olena Chernovolova, founder of the BF “Dopomogator” and the originator of the “The Body Remembers” project.
![Founder of BF "Dopomogator" Olena Chernovolova1](/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3359fb06d17edc9ea0c0347e31bcd075.jpg "Founder of BF "Dopomogator" Olena Chernovolova")
Founder of BF “Dopomogator” Olena Chernovolova
Initially, it was conceived as a simple photo project, which evolved into the series “The Body Remembers” when Olena and photographer Stanislav Strilts observed that the photographer’s work had a therapeutic effect on soldiers who had gone through the hell of war.
Stanislav’s goal was to minimize the distance between the viewer and the veteran: “At first, I felt some hesitation, as the theme of the series is painful and uncomfortable, and moreover, I wasn’t sure if I could establish a connection with the veterans based on trust and honesty,” he admits. However, during the very first shoot, there was no room for doubt: “The intimate studio space and the contrasting, monochromatic imagery allowed us to emphasize the emotions and concerns of the series’ subjects. And the more I worked on the series, the more I became convinced that it is less about trauma, psychological and physical, and more about the brightest aspects of the human soul. About the ability to return and realize one’s potential,” explains the photographer.
The black-and-white portrait series “The Body Remembers” invites society into a dialogue about how life is divided into “before” and “after”; about individuals rediscovering themselves and their bodies; about what resilience truly means; about the quiet heroism of daily victories over obstacles unseen by the outside eye.
“Today, I see our project resonating far beyond Ukraine. After international meetings, particularly in Brussels, people from various countries have approached me who share this idea: human dignity does not vanish after trauma. They are open to supporting us for global recognition. In this regard, art can speak more powerfully than any political statement. That is precisely why, for me, this project is a part of Ukraine’s cultural diplomacy. It is our way of reminding the world: behind every story of war stands a living person who deserves not only support but also genuine admiration,” says Olena.
The exhibition will feature photographs of over 20 Ukrainian veterans who, despite severe injuries, continue to live and believe in a better future. In Kyiv, the project’s presentation will take place on June 27 at the “Kyiv Rose” space, and the photo series will be accessible to everyone for two weeks.
Next, we invite you to get acquainted with some participants of the “The Body Remembers” project, who possess the strength to smile even after all they have endured.
Oleh Symoroz
Volunteer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, participant in the Ukrainian-Russian war, human rights activist, public and political figure.
One can lose a part of their body, but it is very important to maintain one’s spirit.
Stanislav Shumskyi
Veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
We all share one single dream! I truly wish for my brothers and sisters in arms to return to their families, to their homes. May our children live happily, free from anxieties.
Oleksiy Prytula
Veterinary doctor. Veteran of the War for Independence.
I do not see any special strength in myself. However, I see it in others, and that inspires me. The same applies to courage.
Yevhen “Tages” Kolontaievskyi
For me, courage is the ability to uphold one’s position in any situation, to always speak the truth, and to face problems head-on rather than avoiding them.
Vladyslav “Mazay” Ryzhoi
My only dream while the war continues is for everyone to return to their families, for peace to come, and for me to be able to visit all the fallen friends who gave their lives for Ukraine’s independence.
Viktor “Kuznets” Bohoyavlenskyi
Active serviceman, veteran, head of the Uman Veterans Corps.
Strength is not about the absence of fear. It is about the ability to keep one’s word, responsibility for one’s people, and the capacity to rise after moments when one was expected to be written off.
About the Charitable Foundation “Dopomogator”
The charitable foundation “Dopomogator” was established in 2017. It originated from the idea of assisting low-income families and the elderly. In 2023, the foundation entered a new phase of development, focusing on providing support for prosthetics and rehabilitation for military personnel and civilians.