Ukrainian Action, Invictus & UK Armed Forces Para-Snowsports Team Train
Ukrainian Veterans
15 Jan 2026
Ukrainian Action (UA) proudly co-organised an impactful collaboration with the Invictus Foundation, and the UK’s Armed Forces Para-Snowsports Team (AFPST) to expand the capacity of adaptive ski instruction in Ukraine
The three organisations established ‘Project Volya’ to open a new world of recovery through winter sports to injured veterans
Seven ski instructors from AFPST travelled to Ukraine to train 24 Ukrainian ski and snowboard instructors from the Bukovel ski area in the Ukrainian Carpathians, and 24 Ukrainian veterans from all over the country
Bukovel, Ukraine – 15 January 2026 – Ukrainian Action (UA) proudly co-organised ‘Project Volya’, a powerful collaboration with the Invictus Foundation, and the UK’s Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team (AFPST) to expand the capacity of adaptive ski instruction in Ukraine. The program ran for 10 days in January 2026 in Bukovel, Ukraine.
Seven instructors from AFPST travelled to Ukraine, where they spent four days delivering training to 24 Ukrainian ski and snowboard instructors from the Bukovel ski area in the Carpathian Mountains, alongside 24 Ukrainian veterans from across the country. The veterans, selected by Invictus Ukraine, included many who were experiencing skiing or snowboarding for the first time.
The involvement of British military veteran ski instructors proved particularly impactful, enhancing the skills of Ukrainian instructors and motivating injured veterans as they took part in adaptive alpine skiing, snowboarding and Nordic skiing.
Liz Winfield, COO of AFPST, said: “Watching their progress on the mountain has been nothing short of remarkable. The smiles, the breakthroughs, the moments of confidence returning, each one a reminder that recovery is possible, that identity can be rebuilt, and that there are no limits to what can be achieved beyond injury. We have seen the transformative power of snow sports for our own UK Wounded, Injured and Sick veterans, and it has been deeply moving to see that same impact translate to our Ukrainian allies. Their engagement, enthusiasm and energy have been outstanding. There are barely words to capture what this has meant. They are and always will be part of our AFPST Snow Family. Thank you to our AFPST instructors Ben Gallagher, Steve Arnold, Billy Webb, and to Ukrainian Action and Jeffrey Hartman and to BUKOVEL for the support in delivering this epic opportunity.”
Jeffrey Hartman, Co-Founder of Ukrainian Action said: “We are grateful to AFPST and the Invictus Games Foundation for the commitment, passion, and expertise they have brought to this partnership. Their support made it possible to bring world-class adaptive ski instruction to Ukraine and to give Ukrainian veterans an experience that was both technically empowering and emotionally uplifting. This collaboration marks a new step for Ukrainian Action Heroes (UAH), our longer-term rehabilitation programme that brings injured veterans to the Carpathian Mountains to recover from the trauma of war through sport, psychological support and community. UAH is about creating a space for healing – where veterans can rebuild confidence, learn new skills, and rediscover moments of calm and joy alongside others who truly understand their journey.”
Invictus Foundation commented: “This is an incredible opportunity for veterans to understand that society needs them. Delivered in partnership with local organisations such as Ukrainian Action and led by the Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team (AFPST), the programme trained Ukrainian instructors while supporting participants directly through adaptive Alpine skiing, snowboarding and Nordic disciplines. By training Ukrainian coaches and supporting participants on their recovery journeys, this initiative demonstrates how targeted investment and expertise can create long term, community-led impact.”
Ukrainian Action created the Ukrainian Action Heroes (UAH) rehabilitation program in February 2024 to provide ski instruction and psychological tools to Ukrainian veterans in the country’s Carpathian Mountains. To date the program has hosted over 150 participants in small groups of veterans and their families. UAH commence its 5th season in February.
About Ukrainian Action
Ukrainian Action is a volunteer-run, US non-profit and UK charity dedicated to supporting the survival and recovery of Ukraine, through providing humanitarian aid, medical support, and veteran rehabilitation. Since 2022 the organisation has delivered critical supplies and support to front-line and liberated regions, with a special focus on supporting the psychological and physical recovery of war veterans.
UA regularly drives and donates vehicles filled with humanitarian and medical supplies to Ukraine, and supports local reconstruction and healthcare projects.
Ukrainian Action Heroes is a pioneering rehabilitation program welcoming injured Ukrainian veterans to the Carpathian mountains to learn to ski, snowboard and participate in other outdoor mountain sports and activities, while receiving psychological support in the serenity of the mountains. The program includes ski instruction, travel, room and board, daily access to experienced and qualified psychologists, group therapy, wellness, and mindfulness activities.
The goal of the program is to help Ukraine’s heroes recover from the trauma of active warfare, provide tools to deal with PTSD, and introduce new activities in a place of refuge and solace. In March 2025, the program was expanded to offer adaptive skiing for veterans with amputations. Our winter and summer programs have supported over 150 participants since February 2024.
Media Contact:
Jeffrey Hartman
