Through
Their
Eyes

«The program was powerful. It worked — even for someone like me.

But maybe the weight I carried was too thick for real rest to settle in. I struggled to let go, to fully take in what was offered.

Part of me felt grateful, part of me wished I could have felt more. Maybe it just wasn’t enough — not because of the program, but because of how much I needed it.»

«Since Repower, I’ve been through two more rotations — both incredibly hard. But I still carry that time with me.

It felt like a reset, a rare moment to breathe. It reminded me of who I am beyond the war. I still dream about peace.

I want to keep healing people — but in a country no longer at war.»

«Repower became the best experience of my life.

The psychologists helped me move forward, and I felt human warmth I hadn’t known in years.

I met amazing people, some of whom became real friends, and today I want to grow, learn more, and better support our defenders.»

«Thanks to Repower, my fellow medics and I traveled to Sweden for a retreat that gave us much-needed psychological and emotional relief.

We explored a new country, met incredible people, and finally had the space to breathe. It was a truly powerful experience that helped me recover and feel emotionally stronger.

I returned with renewed energy to continue my duties as a military doctor — and most importantly, I started to dream again: about the future, about traveling, about family, and about a better tomorrow for Ukraine.»

«Repower gave me space to finally exhale.

The program — and the people beside me — helped ease the inner tension and quiet the constant alertness I had been living with.

It gave me new connections, memories, and emotions that continue to fuel me as I return to my duties.»

“After Repower, I felt lighter. I found friends and kindred spirits — people who care deeply about Ukraine and fight for its future. I met those from other countries who truly support us.

I no longer felt alone. I found people I could trust, and I knew I was in the right place.»

«The program helped me see myself from a different angle — to start thinking of the future as something that also belongs to me, and to those I love.

We need breaks like this to stay effective in our work. Repower gave me that chance.

And I truly believe it should continue.»

«Repower gave me space to forget the war for a moment — to feel cared for, not just as a medic, but as a person.

The carefully designed program, the atmosphere, the people beside me — it all helped recharge me. I felt ready to return, and keep going.»

«After Repower, I felt grounded and motivated again.

I wanted to keep helping others — and felt proud of it. Talking to people became easier. I stopped feeling irritated all the time.

The program reminded me that we’re not alone — and that even those carrying heavy loads still matter.»

«Repower helped me believe in myself again.

I saw that I’m not alone in what I’ve lived through — others carry similar fears and pain. Time with the psychologists and people who truly understood brought something back to life in me.

And now I know: I am where I need to be.»

«After joining the project, I finally felt like I could breathe again.

Thanks to the specialists and training, I found a sense of calm. The heavy thoughts began to fade, the dead stopped appearing in my dreams, and my mind became clearer.

The breathtaking views of Sweden gave me the most strength — the sea I had missed so deeply, the incredible places we visited, and the kind, sincere people I met. I’ll miss all of it. The project helped me feel alive again and reminded me what it means to truly live.»

«I didn’t even know what I was going to — just that a colleague said, ‘You’ll love it.’ And honestly, I did.

It took me days afterward to fully process it. Repower was extraordinary.

You could feel that people truly cared — Ukrainian and Swedish volunteers, partners, organizers. It was moving, because sometimes it feels like the world doesn’t want to hear about our pain.

But in Sweden, I felt respected, like a hero. That recognition restored my strength. It gave me back motivation I thought I’d lost.»

«By the end of Repower, something changed. I found myself in a space that felt truly safe — where no one judged, and everyone understood.

That safety allowed me to open up, to trust, and to reconnect with a strength I hadn’t felt in years.

One evening, I stood on stage with new friends, singing old Ukrainian songs that spoke to something deep inside me. That night, I understood how deeply we all need connection.

I came back not renewed with trust and joy. It reminded me that I, too, deserve care.»

«Repower was my first time abroad in my life.

It was hard at first — but something shifted. I tried new things, shared stories, met people.

For the first time after everything, I felt the weight lift a little. I believed in my strength again — and in the chance that something better still lies ahead.»

«The recovery process at Repower gave me space to pause — and for the first time, I found myself thinking that the war might actually end one day.

Before that, it hadn’t even crossed my mind.

Everything was so well designed, so thoughtful, that I could finally feel what it’s like to imagine a future again.»

«After Repower, I felt much stronger — the work with psychologists and the chance to truly rest made a big difference. I met so many professionals from my field, and it gave me new energy.

I returned to service more motivated than ever to keep saving lives and supporting my fellow soldiers.»

«After the program, I felt recharged. I had the strength to keep going — to grow and keep working.

The time in Sweden left me with lasting memories and a sense of calm I’d been missing. I hope I’ll have the chance to return one day.»

«After Repower, it felt like my system had received a complete reset — mentally, emotionally, and physically. I felt not just better, but drastically different.

What helped? Sweden itself: the landscapes, the people, the stillness, the kindness — and the space they gave us to recover. I left with clear thoughts and meaningful connections with others who truly understood. My perspective changed — toward myself, my service, and my future. I began treating myself with care again.

I think about the future now — a home, a family, a dog, maybe even a horse. It gave me belief I still have a life to live.»

«After Repower, something truly shifted. I changed — my perspective, my energy, my capacity to feel. It was like taking a deep breath after years underwater.

The program gave space not only for psychological support, which was invaluable, but also for simple things: walking through peaceful streets, resting without fear of incoming fire, feeling safe enough to open up.

For the first time in years, I felt joy just being. I slept deeply. I laughed. I spoke honestly. I remembered what freedom feels like — what it means to live, not just survive.»

«Repower gave me real tools. The exercises from the physical therapists still help with my back, and I do them regularly.

The practices from the psychologists helped me with sleep — something I hadn’t been able to manage before. It made life better, and that matters.»

«Repower helped me reconnect — with myself and the world beyond the war. I regained my inner motivation.

 took away many new and useful tools that I hope will help me manage stress — and support my fellow soldiers when things get tough. I also met people I can now turn to for knowledge, resources, and shared experience — things that make our work more effective.»

«Instead, I came back inspired. I missed my team, missed my work — and brought new ideas with me. I even started a morning group neuro-gymnastics routine.

Two things helped me the most. First — beauty. In everything: delicious food, a cozy place to stay, the chance to put on lipstick for the first time in nine months. Nature, architecture, music, museums — after so much gray and rubble, it felt like pure joy.

Second — the people. So much warmth, understanding, support. Like summer camp, but for tired, sad adults. I still think of everyone with deep gratitude.»

«Meeting skilled psychologists helped me accept that what I feel is valid. I found real support, true friendship, and memories that stay with me.

For the first time in a long while, I could look ahead with some clarity. I left with more understanding — and a plan for what comes next.»

«Nature, tranquility, and the warmth of welcoming people helped me recover. They invited us into their world and culture. A children’s choir moved me to tears. At some point, I was so drawn into it all, I forgot everything else.

I found new friends and returned home full of new ideas and inspiration. Of course, the moral exhaustion doesn’t vanish so easily.

But the reminder that life can be different — peaceful — is priceless. We’re losing those memories of what normal used to feel like.»

«We remembered how to live again.»

Ihor, call sign ‘Horynych’ wrote these exact words on the tenth day of his participation in the program.