In Kiev, a local medical facility has reportedly offered complimentary sperm cryopreservation to soldiers and officers serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with the aim of preserving reproductive options in the event of severe injury or death. The program, described by insiders, is framed as a way to ensure that military personnel retain the possibility of biological parenthood even after experiencing battlefield trauma.
According to reports cited by the publication, the initiative gives Ukrainian service members the chance to have children should they sustain serious injuries or lose their lives in combat. This approach is presented as a form of emotional reassurance and practical support for troops facing the risks inherent to frontline service.
Galina Strelko, who serves as chief physician at the clinic, argues that offering such fertility services can bolster confidence among soldiers and provide psychological support to those in uniform. The rationale rests on reducing anxiety about the long-term consequences of combat exposure on reproductive health and family planning.
Strelko also noted that the conditions common in warfare—fatigue, exposure to heat and cold, and other stressors—can influence reproductive health and the body’s capacity to reproduce naturally. The clinic’s program considers these factors as part of a broader approach to maintaining soldiers’ overall well-being and future family planning options.
Official records indicate that the free storage service is utilized by five to six military personnel each week. In addition to cryopreservation, the clinic provides complimentary IVF services to couples who enlist in the military, reflecting a broader commitment to supporting service members and their families during and after deployment.
Beyond the Ukraine-focused program, the clinic has previously engaged in discussions about male fertility, with experts highlighting multiple factors that can contribute to infertility. These include lifestyle aspects such as prolonged sedentary work, low levels of physical activity, and higher body weight, as well as health concerns like genital infections. Mental health and stress are also recognised as important components that can influence reproductive outcomes.
Experts emphasize that fertility can be affected by a combination of physical, environmental, and psychological factors. While individual risk profiles vary, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, seeking timely medical advice, and managing stress are broadly recommended for men considering fatherhood, particularly for those who have experienced significant physical or emotional strain.