Veteran behind the initiative
Vasyl Kurylo, a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, has launched his own barbershop called Iron Wings on the grounds of St. Panteleimon Hospital in Lviv. The space is designed to be barrier-free, meaning anyone can walk in and receive professional grooming services. Kurylo’s project represents a meaningful step toward supporting veterans and building an environment that welcomes people of all abilities. It also reflects a wider effort in Ukraine to help veterans reintegrate into civilian life.
Kurylo volunteered to defend Ukraine as soon as the full-scale invasion began. He initially served as an assault infantryman; after being wounded the first time, he trained as an FPV drone operator. In 2024, he suffered a second injury that cost him his leg. While undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at the UNBROKEN Center, he started offering free haircuts to fellow patients.
Barbershop services
Every Monday, veterans receive complimentary service at Iron Wings. From Tuesday through Saturday, military personnel and St. Panteleimon hospital staff get a 20 percent discount. At present, the barbershop offers men’s haircuts, beard trimming, and beard care. Plans call for adding professional hair coloring in the future.
“What matters most is that we have built a fully accessible barbershop,” said Vasyl Kurylo. “Anyone who wants to can come in and get a stylish, high-quality haircut.”
Representatives of Lviv’s First Medical Union point to this venture as a model of how rehabilitation can do more than help someone recover from a severe injury. It can also open new paths for professional growth, give veterans a way to support one another, and advance the cause of barrier-free public spaces.
The launch of Iron Wings marks a notable milestone in the development of social programs for veterans in need of support and reintegration into civilian life. Projects like this do more than aid professional rehabilitation; they help forge a community where former soldiers can find moral encouragement and mutual assistance. The establishment’s accessible design also underscores the importance of inclusion, a value that has taken on new urgency during wartime, especially for people with disabilities.