The Turtle

Bohdan “Shaman” Muliarchuk

Bohdan is a Ukrainian soldier who suffered severe injuries to both legs while defending Ukraine in the East. Multiple surgeries, the looming threat of amputation, slow recoveries, and yet more surgeries — for more than a year and a half, hospitals have been his second home. But amid the pain and hardship, light emerged. During rehabilitation at the Rivne Veterans Hospital, he met Olia — a volunteer who became his wife in August this year. In Greek mythology, the turtle symbolizes creation and renewal — for Bohdan, Olia embodies this very symbol.