Invictus Games

Lviv, Ukraine – 10th April, 2025. Today, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Founder of the Invictus Games Foundation, visited the Superhumans Centre in Lviv, Ukraine — a leading facility providing specialised care for individuals affected by war. The private visit followed an invitation extended by Olga Rudneva, CEO of Superhumans, during the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 following an Invictus Games Foundation visit to Ukraine last November.

The Superhumans Centre offers state-of-the-art prosthetics, rehabilitation, reconstructive surgery, and psychological support — all free of charge — to military personnel and civilians impacted by the ongoing conflict. Its mission is to restore physical functionality, promote social reintegration, and enhance the quality of life for those injured in war.

The Duke was joined on this trip by a delegation from the Invictus Games Foundation, including four veterans who have also experienced life-changing injury and recovery. Whilst there, The Duke toured the facility, met with patients and medical professionals, and observed the cutting-edge surgical and rehabilitative services being provided.

As part of the visit, Prince Harry also met with members of the Ukrainian Invictus Games community, further emphasising the Foundation’s commitment to empowering individuals affected by conflict and injury — not only through the Games themselves but through year-round sport recovery programmes offered via the Foundation’s "Beyond the Games" initiatives.

This visit to the Superhumans charity in Ukraine underscores the Invictus Games Foundation’s broader commitment to supporting recovery and rehabilitation for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans—even in the most challenging environments. Ukraine has been a vital part of the Invictus Games Foundation's community since participating in the Invictus Games Toronto 2017, and this visit reaffirms our dedication to standing with those who are navigating life after injury, both at the Games and beyond as part of our year-round sport recovery programmes.”

Rob Owen OBE CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation

The Duke also held discussions with Ukraine’s Minister of Veterans Affairs, Natalia Kalmykova, who highlighted how sports recovery — inspired by Ukraine’s engagement with the Invictus Games — has now been adopted as a central pillar in the country’s national veterans policy. This shift marks a significant step forward in supporting the long-term wellbeing and reintegration of Ukraine’s veterans and their families.

Among those others The Duke reconnected with was Yuliia (Taira) Paievska, a Ukrainian Invictus Games competitor whose story of courage was featured in the Netflix docuseries Heart of Invictus. Her presence, alongside teammates, embodied the strength, unity, and resilience of the Invictus community — and the powerful role that sport continues to play in recovery.

Ukraine has been a proud participant in the Invictus Games since 2017 and remains actively engaged in the Foundation’s wider provision of sports, esports, and adventurous challenge. Access to these global sporting opportunities are all via the free app We Are Invictus, which also provides a peer recovery network — creating safe, supportive spaces for recovery even in regions affected by active conflict.