YULIIA “TAIRA” PAIEVSKA may not be a household name, but to the world of Invictus athletes she’s a symbol of strength and courage.
Taira, a Ukrainian military medic, founded “Taira’s Angels”, a volunteer ambulance corps. A well-known figure in Ukraine, she has devoted her life to caring for the sick, injured, and dying with no regard for nationality or age. Her corps treats all persons, civilian or military, with dignity and compassion. Since the Russian invasion, she has treated hundreds on the front lines. It was her bodycam videos, smuggled out of Ukraine by the Associated Press, that showed the world the horrors that were unfolding in Mariupol. It was her footage that showed the horrors of war…and it cost her.
Taira’s first stint on Team Ukraine was set for the 2022 Invictus Games in The Hague, but she was captured by Russian forces and held for three months. Easily recognizable, with her white-blonde hair and bevy of tattoos, she was targeted by Russians as she escorted a busload of children out of Mariupol to safety. She was finally released as part of a prisoner exchange, but the damage done to her, physically and mentally, was extensive. But true to her nature, she fought through with the aid of sport and represented her country at the 2023 games in Dusseldorf.
Taira is an inspiration. Her willingness to help others has not been diminished by her circumstances. Her resolve to not believe Russian propaganda, nor spout the words they tried to force her to record while in captivity, made her an icon to those seeking truth under duress. Despite her physical struggles, she still smiles and jokes. For example, while imprisoned, she was forced to sing the Russian anthem at the behest of her captors. Rather than be filled with hate, she jokes she learned she could sing. Her ability to see the bright side of things in such dire circumstances is extraordinary. She recognized propaganda and spoke truth to power, knowing full well it could cost her life. Throughout her captivity, she maintained her values and morals, knowing that she could potentially die for not submitting.
Taira’s strength of character, her commitment to truth, and her endless compassion for others at the sacrifice of self are lessons we should all strive to emulate.
Слава Україні!
To learn more:
- Invictus Australia: Taira’s spirit: Ukrainian Invictus Games alumna reunites with competitors down under
- AP News: Famed Ukrainian medic describes ‘hell’ of Russian captivity
- Heart of Invictus (Netflix)
Photo credit: U.S. Department of State from United States, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons