Veterans’ Apiary Retreat: A Hero of Ukraine Plans Rest Huts at His Own Bee Farm

An Apiary-Based Project for Veterans

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Serhii Ponomarenko, a veteran and founder of the NGO Union of Veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian War, has been keeping bees since 2009 and holds the title Hero of Ukraine. His apiary, about 100 km from Kyiv, once housed roughly 72 hives before the full-scale invasion. Now he intends to build apiary huts there for veterans and fellow soldiers - small structures with recliners placed above hives, letting visitors rest without touching or disturbing the bees. Ponomarenko described falling asleep quickly and deeply inside one of these huts, and he shared the idea on a family YouTube podcast run by Oleksandr and Inna Pedan, with radio host Yulia Karpova also taking part.

Ponomarenko also wants to send honey, candles, and gift boxes from his apiary to the Yulia’s Grandmothers charity fund, created by Karpova, a public speaking coach. The aim is to complete the apiary huts by the end of this year, creating a space where veterans can improve their emotional well-being and support one another.

Beehive Therapy and Veteran Support

A central idea behind the project is that spending time near bees can soothe the mind. In 2025, Turkish researchers conducted a study with 60 participants, having some sit for 10 minutes in an apiary cabin with live bees while others listened to a recording of humming. Both groups showed lower anxiety afterward, pointing to the potential of such methods for veterans.

Ponomarenko’s organization works with active-duty soldiers, veterans, and families of the fallen and missing. During its first months, it handled practical problems facing veterans, such as unjust denial of discounted travel and delays or failures in receiving entitled payments. It also advocated for the local veteran community in Yahotyn.

Apitherapy, the use of bees and hive environments for wellness, is becoming a more widely recognized complement to conventional care. For veterans living with stress and trauma, projects like this can offer a natural way to reconnect, find calm, and rebuild a sense of community while conflict continues.

In addition to initiatives like Ponomarenko's apiary project, veterans across Ukraine are innovating to support their communities. For instance, a veteran who lost a leg during the conflict has opened an inclusive barbershop in Lviv, providing a welcoming space for all. Such efforts not only promote healing but also foster a sense of belonging among those who have served. To learn more about this inspiring venture, visit this inclusive barbershop initiative.