Ukrainian servicemen who lost limbs in the war and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in memory of their fallen comrades met with the Speaker of the House of Lords at his personal invitation on April 22 to present their story to British parliamentarians.
The film “Second Wind” tells the story of four Ukrainian soldiers with prosthetic limbs and a female soldier who was seriously injured at the front. They reached the summit of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and at an altitude of 5,895 meters unfurled the Ukrainian flag, reminding the whole world: true height lies in strength of spirit.
The film documents not only the physical journey to the highest point in Africa, but also the inner transformations of the heroes: overcoming pain, rethinking the experience of war and finding strength in mutual support. This is a story about team spirit, mutual support and a new understanding of life after the most difficult trials.
The expedition was conceived as a public act of remembrance and a symbol of a free and independent Ukraine. The servicemen who met with the speaker continue to serve.
After watching the documentary “Second Wind”, Lord Forsyth organized a screening of the film for members of the House of Lords and the House of Commons in a packed State Reception Hall in the House of Lords. Among those present were the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom, Valeriy Zaluzhny, the author of the idea and producer of the film, Gennady Gazin, director Maria Kondakova, two military heroes of the film, Vladislav “Shatya” Shatilo and Mykhailo “Grizzly” Matviyiv, co-founder and director of the “Second Wind UA” Foundation, Anna Vozna, as well as Lord Charles Banner and his wife, Tetyana Nesterchuk.
Lord Forsyth expressed hope that the documentary will be seen by a wide international audience and will contribute to further support for Ukraine, as well as veterans adapting to life after injuries, as the country enters its fifth year of fighting Russian aggression.
Noting that he had previously climbed Kilimanjaro — the highest peak in Africa — for charitable purposes, he emphasized that he understood well how difficult this climb is even under normal conditions:
I can only imagine what it must have been like to make the climb under such extraordinary and incredibly challenging circumstances, both physically and psychologically. This film embodies everything we have learned about the courage of the Ukrainian people – their determination to overcome adversity and to do so with humanity, dedication and a sense of brotherhood.
One of the soldiers, Mikhail “Grizzly” Matviyev, who lost his leg in a Russian airstrike, said during the meeting:
One of the soldiers, Mikhail “Grizzly” Matviyev, who lost his leg in a Russian airstrike, said during the meeting:
After filming the film, he returned to the front and is now serving as a drone operator. Lord Forsyth added:
During four years of war and suffering, the Ukrainian people have lost neither their national will nor their human dignity. They have shown that courage is not only bravery in battle. It is endurance, constancy, loyalty and hope under unbearable pressure. We support them today and will always support them.
Last month, the Speaker of the House of Lords received Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Parliament and had the opportunity to discuss the documentary “Second Wind” with him.
If you want to join the program or support it, write to together@secondwindua.org or go to the “Support” section.
Personal stories of participants – in the Stories section.
