YMCA-YWCA Lviv, in partnership with YMCA Armed Services Danmark, is implementing the Ukrainian-Danish project “Stories of Warriors.”
This is a unique initiative that combines storytelling, music, and art therapy to help our defenders make sense of their own war experiences, while enabling society to hear their stories.
About Our Activities
We are creating a collection of 10 short stories written by Ukrainian veterans who have personally experienced the trials of war. These are honest and heartfelt accounts of the frontlines, losses, victories, and the strength of the human spirit. The stories will be voiced by other veterans — 10 voices that will convey the emotional depth and power of each narrative.
The collection will be available in two formats: written (electronic) and audio. Both versions will be in Ukrainian, with English and Danish translations as well. What makes this project unique is that the Ukrainian veterans’ stories will be voiced in their own language by Danish veterans. The playlists will be published on popular platforms — YouTube, SoundCloud, Spotify, and others — completely free for anyone who wants to explore the stories of our warriors.
Veterans also participate in art-therapeutic singing workshops with renowned Ukrainian singers Uliana Horbachevska and Natalia Rybka-Parkhomenko at the Superhumans and Unbroken centers. Singing, both as a tradition and a form of healing, becomes a tool for rehabilitation. Participants study traditional Ukrainian songs passed down through generations, which are now becoming relevant again.
In addition to artistic rehabilitation, the project lawyer provides consultations to veterans and their families. This ensures participants receive not only emotional support but also practical assistance in addressing everyday challenges.
Danish veterans travel to Lviv to meet Ukrainian veterans, read their texts in Danish, and contribute to spreading stories of mutual support.
We aim to create a space where veterans can be heard. Sharing stories is a process of healing, and listening is a way of offering support.
“Stories of Warriors” is not just about art — it is also about exchanging experiences, international collaboration, and new opportunities for veteran communities.
Our Dreams
In the future, we aim to publish printed collections in Ukrainian, English, Danish, Swedish, and other languages, expand the project to other countries so that the voices of Ukrainian warriors can be heard around the world in different languages, and strengthen cooperation between veteran organizations in Ukraine and Denmark — and eventually with organizations in other countries as well.
* We are open to collaboration with veterans and veteran organizations, writers, literary communities, and everyone interested in translating, publishing, and voicing the stories of our defenders.
Who Implements the Project?
YMCA-YWCA Lviv — part of the global YMCA alliance, implements dozens of projects supporting youth, veterans, and their families.
YMCA Armed Services Danmark (KFUM Soldatermission) — a nationwide organization in Denmark with approximately 6,500 members. It supports veterans through a network of 15 “Soldier Houses” and YMCA Sea Houses across the country, hosting around 350,000 guests annually. The organization also offers Veteran Recreation programs, providing temporary accommodation and support for veterans.
The project is supported by the New Democracy Fund (NDF) — a fund of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs that promotes the development of civil society in the Eastern Partnership countries.