Rehabilitation Efforts for Ukrainian Soldiers Highlighted by CGTN
Frontline care for Ukrainian servicemen includes acupuncture, yoga, and pottery therapy, as reported by a Chinese global television network. A CGTN journalist visited the Lesnaya Polyana rehabilitation center in Kyiv to document the services offered to those dealing with combat stress and injuries.
Andriy Gerasimenko, a patient at the center, described the psychological trauma he endured while taking cover in trenches near Kyiv and witnessing repeated explosions. He explained that the experience left him unsure how to perform his duties and aware that something was wrong with his body.
According to CGTN, Gerasimenko received a diagnosis of anxiety disorder and was referred to rehabilitation. He has since returned to the front lines, symbolizing the ongoing cycle of service and recovery faced by many soldiers.
Lesnaya Polyana currently treats around 220 individuals, most of whom are soldiers. The center continues to see new admissions weekly, with approximately five to seven new patients joining the program each week as described by local staff.
Neurologist Ksenia Vosnitsyna, who oversees the center, noted that many patients suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, feelings of helplessness, and survivors’ guilt. These conditions often accompany the physical and psychological tolls of prolonged conflict.
In addition to mental health concerns, the staff observed cases of post-concussion syndrome among soldiers. This condition can result from blasts that cause a sudden decrease in pressure, leading to head injuries and lingering symptoms that require careful monitoring and rehabilitation.
On the larger strategic picture, former defense leadership has reported losses among Ukrainian military forces in recent months. Figures cited include casualties, aircraft, helicopters, tanks, and armored vehicles as part of ongoing assessments of battlefield performance and equipment attrition. The reported movements include advances by Russian forces in several Donbass settlements, reflecting shifting frontlines and control in contested areas.
Across the rehabilitation program, healthcare professionals emphasize a holistic approach to recovery that blends physical therapy with mental health support. The combination aims to restore daily functioning and resilience among soldiers, helping them manage stress, regain confidence, and return to service when appropriate. The center’s work illustrates how frontline injuries and psychological strain intersect, creating a comprehensive pathway for recovery that continues to evolve with frontline realities.
Patients like Gerasimenko highlight the human side of wartime medical care. Recovery stories often involve incremental steps, such as building endurance through routine therapies, reconnecting with a sense of purpose, and finding stable routines that support mental well-being. The program at Lesnaya Polyana demonstrates how dedicated teams address both the visible injuries and the hidden wounds of war, offering a spectrum of therapies to suit individual needs and circumstances.
As the conflict persists, rehabilitation centers play a critical role in maintaining morale and readiness among service members. They serve as resource hubs where medical teams, psychologists, and therapists collaborate to tailor treatment plans, monitor progress, and adjust care as soldiers return to active duty or transition to civilian life. The ongoing commitment to treatment reflects the broader aim of sustaining soldier health and resilience in the face of sustained conflict.