Police Refuse to Aid Veteran with Broken Prosthetic, Citing 'We Are Not a Taxi'

Veteran Left Stranded After Prosthetic Failure

According to Главком: In mid-March, a war veteran with a hand amputation, a leg prosthetic, and only two fingers on his other hand was left helpless on the street. While returning from a store, the socket of his prosthetic leg broke, causing him to fall and leaving him unable to get up. The situation was made more urgent as a curfew was set to begin within minutes. This incident highlights the daily challenges faced by many Ukrainian veterans returning to civilian life.

When the veteran appealed to the police for assistance, he was refused. Law enforcement officers responded by saying, 'We are not a taxi.' This reply sparked public outrage. As Yaroslav Hrubych stated, the issue is not merely about transportation but about basic humanity.

"This is about a veteran, who gave a part of himself for the country, being unable to count on elementary help in a critical moment," Hrubych noted.

He emphasized that 'the police are not just about fines, protocols, and 'we are not obligated.' The police are, first and foremost, about help. Because if not them – then who? I am ashamed of such stories.'

Separate Assault on a Veteran Under Investigation

In a separate case, Kyiv police are investigating reports of a veteran being beaten inside a district Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support (TCC and SP) in the Shevchenkivskyi district. The victim, Volodymyr Symanytsyn, is a veteran who lost both hands on the front line. This case further underscores the difficulties veterans encounter in their daily lives and the need for sensitive treatment of their needs.

These incidents underscore the critical importance of social support for veterans, who face numerous hardships after returning from the front. The police's refusal to provide aid in a moment of crisis reveals a troubling lack of awareness regarding veterans' issues within society. Proper assistance and support can significantly impact their lives, making it essential to ensure effective interaction between law enforcement and those who have sacrificed for their country.

This alarming incident is not isolated; another case has emerged in which a veteran was beaten and detained by police in Dnipro. Such occurrences highlight the urgent need for improved support and protection for those who have served, emphasizing the systemic challenges faced by veterans in their post-service lives.