Triumph over disability: Dmitro’s inspiring journey as a Ukrainian refugee in Moldova and powerlifting champion of Ukraine

Born with a physical disability and given less than a 1% chance of walking, Dmitro has defied these daunting odds, becoming a beacon of inspiration.

Just a few years ago, lifting a mere 2 kilos was Dmitro’s limit, yet today he astonishes by lifting up to 90 kilos. This showcases his unwavering determination and resilient spirit. Dmitro, with his supportive family - his mother, sister, and brother - now resides in a refugee accommodation center in Chisinau, Moldova.

Their sustenance comes from the World Food Programme (WFP), which provides them with three hot, nourishing meals daily. This support ensures that Ukrainian refugees like Dmitro and many others who reside in the refugee accommodation centers across Moldova have their most fundamental needs met. Since March 2022, the WFP, with partner assistance, has served over 4 million hot meals to Ukrainian refugees in Moldova.

How did Dmitro become a national powerlifting champion of Ukraine despite his disability?

Despite weighing only 52 kilos and living with a disability, Dmitro achieved astounding success in powerlifting after just a year of intensive training. Starting his journey years ago, he now lifts nearly 90 kilos, an incredible feat from his initial struggle to lift two kilos. His training was closely supervised by Anna Kurkunina, a three-time world powerlifting champion from Ukraine. Dmitrii currently trains at a gym in Chisinau, receiving online guidance from Anna, who remains in Ukraine. His most remarkable achievement is becoming a national champion among athletes without disabilities through his ambition and participation in multiple competitions. He rose to become a national champion among athletes without disabilities. Additionally, Dmitro excels in IT programming, specializing in video editing and undertaking various IT-related tasks as a freelancer.

Who is the person behind his success, besides himself and his trainer?

Dmitro’s achievements wouldn’t have been possible without his mother’s support, Ianina. She describes him as highly organized and committed to everything he does. Since Dmitrio's was diagnosed with a disability at age one, Ianina has been devoted to his care and development, saying, “We invested significant effort in him, believing in his unique potential. And we were right - his potential later developed into talent. I never gave up on him.” 

Ianina's dedication went beyond caring for a united family. When war broke out intro Moldova’s neighboring country in March 2022, she left behind her life in Ukraine, arriving in Chisinau with just two bags, having serious reasons behind in doing so: ‘My primary motivation was to ensure my children’s safety. Despite the separation from my husband in Ukraine, I do hope of reuniting with him after the war ends, and despite the distance between us, our bond remains strong as we are in touch every day’, said Ianina.

The hot meals programme for Ukrainian refugees in Moldova is made possible thanks to funding from the European Commission for Humanitarian Aid; the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; German Federal Foreign Office; and Norway.

How is WFP making a difference in Moldova for both Ukrainian refugees and Moldovans?

WFP provides three daily hot meals to Ukrainian refugees in accommodation centers nationwide. Meals are prepared on-site – with cooks in some centers using WFP vouchers to buy products – or delivered by contracted local catering companies. 

Additionally, WFP offers cash-based transfers to Moldovan refugee-hosting households, assisting with the costs of accommodating extra people. Also, with the help of its partners, WFP is offering snacks to refugees, addressing their essential food needs from the beginning of their journey into the country, at the Palanca crossing point.

Under guidance from the government, WFP, in close collaboration with UNFPA, IOM, UNICEF and UNHCR, provides emergency cash during wintertime to support the most vulnerable Moldovans, and supports capacity strengthening to ongoing reforms in the social sector.

WFP also provides technical and capacity-building support to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, to address structural challenges related to food security and technical assistance for capacity strengthening, which includes contributing to the digitalization agenda, strengthening social food services, enhancing the shock responsiveness of social support delivery systems.

Learn more about WFP’s work in Moldova