YMCA-YWCA Lviv, in partnership with YMCA Armed Services Danmark, is launching the Ukrainian-Danish project “Stories of Warriors.”

This unique initiative combines storytelling, music, and art therapy to help our defenders process their experiences of war, while also giving society a chance to hear their stories.

Our Activities

We are creating a collection of 10 short stories written by Ukrainian veterans who have personally endured the trials of war. These are sincere and candid accounts of the frontlines, losses, victories, and the strength of the human spirit. The stories will be narrated by other veterans—10 voices that will convey the full emotional depth and power of each tale.

The collection will be available in two formats: written electronic text and audio. Both versions will be in Ukrainian and translated into English and Danish. A unique feature of this project is that the stories written by Ukrainian veterans will be read in their original language by Danish veterans. The playlists will be available on popular platforms such as YouTube, SoundCloud, Spotify, and more, completely free for anyone interested in learning about the experiences of our warriors.

Veterans will also participate in art-therapeutic singing workshops with renowned Ukrainian singers Uliana Horbachevska and Natalia Rybka-Parkhomenko at the Superhumans and Unbroken centers. Song—as both tradition and therapy—will become a tool for rehabilitation. Participants will learn traditional Ukrainian songs passed down through generations, which are once again relevant today.

In addition to artistic rehabilitation, the project’s legal consultant provides support and advice to veterans and their families, ensuring participants receive not only emotional support but also practical assistance in dealing with everyday challenges.

In September 2025, Danish veterans will visit Lviv to meet Ukrainian veterans, read their stories in Danish, and contribute to sharing a culture of mutual support.

We aim to create a space where veterans can be heard. Telling their stories is a process of healing, and listening is a way to support them.
“Stories of Warriors” is not just about art—it’s about exchanging experiences, international collaboration, and creating new opportunities for veteran communities.

Our Vision

In the future, we hope to:

  • Publish printed collections in Ukrainian, English, and Danish;

  • Expand the project to other countries so that the voices of Ukrainian warriors can be heard worldwide;

  • Develop cooperation between veteran organizations in Ukraine, Denmark, and eventually other countries.

Who is Implementing the Project?

  • YMCA-YWCA Lviv — part of the global YMCA alliance, implementing dozens of projects supporting youth, veterans, and their families.

  • YMCA Armed Services Danmark (KFUM Soldatermission) — a nationwide organization in Denmark with around 6,500 members. It supports veterans through a network of 15 YMCA Soldiers’ and Naval Homes across the country. These homes host approximately 350,000 guests annually. The organization also offers Veteran Recreation programs—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 Eastern Partnership countries.