One year later: Ukrainian solider, locals exchange inspiration in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — It has been one year since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, and a Ukrainian soldier is spending the somber day in Orlando, working to recover.

Misha Varvarych arrived here three weeks ago to receive treatment and prosthetic legs.

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He lost both of his legs while defending his country against Russia last May.

“He has huge plans for the future. He wants to return to Ukraine,” said his translator. “He can help other soldiers in the same situation.”

The 28-year-old and his wife said they’ve noticed their country’s flags flying on the side of some homes here in Orlando. He said it’s been inspiring.

Read: Biden in Poland: US, allies ‘will never waver’ in Ukraine

Neal Webb flies one of those flags on his home.

“I wanted a way to show solidarity, that I cared. I know their lives are being destroyed,” Webb said.

He spent the anniversary searching for places to donate.

Watch: Central Florida Spotlight: Harris Rosen’s support for Ukraine

“You want to think things are stable the rest of your life, and they’re absolutely not,” Webb said. “You don’t know what’s coming next, and I can’t imagine that they have to find new places to live, their jobs are up in the air.”

Their journey was so inspiring to Webb that he offered a moment of comfort by playing “Over the Rainbow” on his trumpet for WFTV to share.

Read: Russians mark Ukraine war anniversary with flowers, arrests

And until Varvarych can return home to his family, he hopes to he can offer inspiration.

“He wants to be an example of: never give up, keep going,” his translator said.

His prosthetics will cost $50,000. The non-profit supporting him is called Revived Soldiers Ukraine. You can click here to learn more.

Video: Divide continues over how far U.S. should go to help Ukraine There’s a divide over how far the U.S. should go in helping Ukraine. (Blair Miller, CMG Washington News Bureau)

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