Injury and Imprisonment
Bohdan Atamanskyi, a 29-year-old soldier, suffered torture and the amputation of his legs while held in Russian captivity in 2024. Serving as a communications operator with the 95th Brigade, he was captured near the Kupiansk front in January 2024. During his imprisonment, Bohdan was kept in a cage at -10°C for two weeks, resulting in severe injuries.
Captivity and Amputation
In 2024, at a hospital in Russia’s Kursk region, both of Bohdan Atamanskyi’s legs were amputated due to the conditions of his detention and the torture he endured. This tragedy underscores the brutality he faced while in captivity. After prolonged suffering and medical treatment, Bohdan was returned to Ukraine as part of a prisoner exchange in early 2025.
Back home, Bohdan Atamanskyi decided to continue his service by signing a new contract with the 82nd Separate Bukovynian Air Assault Brigade. His story highlights both the horrors of war and the resilience of those who refuse to give up.
“I made the decision in two minutes. I remembered that it’s the 21st century, and people with prosthetics run like Olympians.” - Bohdan Atamanskyi
This case vividly illustrates the cruelty faced by prisoners of war during the conflict, while also showcasing the unbreakable spirit of those who, despite devastating losses, strive to keep fighting for their country. The appointment of Dmytro Ponomarenko as special envoy for prisoners of war underscores the importance of international support and cooperation on human rights and the protection of captured servicemen.