When Oleksandr Budko was fighting on the front lines of Ukraine’s war against Russia, he never imagined his life would take such an extraordinary turn. The 26-year-old soldier, who lost both his legs in a brutal attack in 2022, is now Ukraine’s most talked-about man, starring in the country’s version of the popular reality TV show, The Bachelor.
His story is one of resilience, hope, and a powerful reminder that life can blossom even in the darkest of times.
From the Battlefield to the Spotlight
In August 2022, Oleksandr was stationed in the Kharkiv region, defending his homeland against invading Russian forces. During a fierce battle near Izyum, a shell exploded nearby, leaving him buried alive and in excruciating pain. He knew immediately that his legs were severely injured and would need to be amputated.
Despite the agony, his comrades saved his life, pulling him from the rubble and giving him the first aid that kept him alive.
“I felt the earth shift onto me. I felt a terrible pain in my legs and realized that it would mean the amputation of my legs,” Oleksandr recalls. “I screamed from horrific pain and shouted for people to hear me.”
After the injury, Oleksandr’s future seemed uncertain. However, his determination to overcome his physical challenges never wavered. Within six months, he was walking again, this time with prosthetic legs. His journey wasn’t easy, especially in a country like Ukraine, where infrastructure for people with disabilities is still developing.
Navigating Kyiv in a wheelchair opened his eyes to the daily struggles many face, which only fueled his desire to bring attention to these issues.
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A New Chapter: Finding Love and Raising Awareness
Oleksandr’s life took another unexpected turn when he was chosen as the lead in The Bachelor. This wasn’t just an opportunity to find love after a painful breakup earlier in the year, but also a platform to raise awareness about the challenges disabled Ukrainians face.
“This show is watched by millions of people, and it presents a huge opportunity to positively influence their outlook,” Oleksandr says. He wants to show that injured veterans like himself are not “outsiders” but fully capable members of society who are living fulfilling lives.
His appearance on the show is about more than just romance. Oleksandr sees it as a way to inspire others, proving that life doesn’t end with a disability. Instead, it can be the start of a new, even more meaningful chapter.
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The Man Behind the Media
Before the war, Oleksandr led a relatively ordinary life. He worked as a barista in Kyiv and studied graphic design, with dreams of traveling and starting a family. But the invasion changed everything, pushing him into the role of a soldier. His experiences on the battlefield and the injuries he sustained have drastically altered his path, but not his spirit.
Today, Oleksandr is not just a reality TV star; he’s also a published author, an Invictus Games medalist, and even a performer with a ballet troupe in the United States. His story has resonated so deeply with the Ukrainian public that the application portal for The Bachelor crashed shortly after he was announced as the show’s leading man.
Natalia Franchuk, a representative from STB, the network airing the show, explains the decision to cast Oleksandr: “Despite his amputations, Oleksandr rides a bike, drives a car, and climbs mountains. He lives life to the fullest. If television is about filming reality, then who better could be the star of The Bachelor now? Who else would be better suited in a country at war?”
A Symbol of Hope for a Nation at War
Oleksandr’s journey from soldier to celebrity is a powerful symbol of hope for a nation that continues to endure the ravages of war. His participation in The Bachelor is not just about finding love; it’s about showing the world that life can go on, even after unimaginable loss. Through his story, Oleksandr is helping to reshape perceptions of disability in Ukraine and beyond.
As the country watches him navigate the ups and downs of reality TV, Oleksandr remains focused on his broader mission: to ensure that all Ukrainians, regardless of their physical abilities, are seen as valuable and capable members of society.
“In my case, my life is now even better than before the war, better than before I got injured,” he says, embodying the resilience and spirit of a man who has turned personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for millions.
Conclusion
Oleksandr Budko’s story is more than just a tale of survival. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to triumph over adversity. As Ukraine continues to fight for its future, Oleksandr’s journey from the battlefield to the spotlight serves as a powerful reminder that even in the midst of war, love, hope, and a better life are still possible.