Andrii Smolenskyi
Before Russia's full-scale invasion, Andrii Smolenskyi led a typical life as a successful, married twenty-six-year-old in Kyiv, working in IT and consulting. Like many others, he volunteered to join the military in 2022 when his country was attacked by Vladimir Putin’s forces. A year later, he suffered grievous injuries in an explosion. Andrii fell into a coma, and upon waking up found that he had lost both his arms, his vision, and hearing in one ear.
Ever since, Andrii’s wife Alina has stayed by his side, making sure he received life-saving care and helping him communicate with doctors and the outside world. Their case received media attention in Ukraine, across Europe, and in the United States. The story was covered by the BBC, ABC, NPR, and many other outlets. Andrii’s intellect and sense of humor shine brightly through every conversation with journalists and well-wishers.
But media attention did not directly translate into major progress on Andrii's medical case.
For months, he had been stuck in understaffed and over-stretched Soviet-era medical centers in Ukraine.
In late 2023, the Here Right Matters Foundation was able to contact Andrii and Alina
through the BBC journalists who documented their story, and we have worked with them ever since to bring Andrii to the United States for treatment. After months of working on this case, the HRM Foundation was able to:
Secure permission for Andrii’s treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Secure consular support from the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv to proceed with immigration applications
Secure funding for cutting-edge treatment, including potential hand transplant procedure
Arrange travel to the United States in August 2024, with personal escort by Brig. Gen. (ret.) Mark Arnold, the Foundation's executive director
Andrii Smolenskyi and HRM Foundation Executive Director Mark Arnold
Andrii and wife Alina with Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova in Washington, D.C.
Andrii being treated by a U.S. military physician at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center
The HRM Foundation is committed to assisting Andrii financially and logistically in his recovery and path to building a new life. We believe that his story can inspire others who are affected by this war and help mobilize individuals and organizations who have the means and desire to support the cause of Ukrainian liberty.
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