Honestly and frankly about returning from the front and life after losses - the podcast "Live towards" from FUIB started with the first episode

For veterans to return with dignity and fully reintegrate, they need support — from loved ones, from society, from all of us. On July 29, the first episode of the new podcast "Live towards" was released on the FUIB YouTube channel - a project about real stories of veterans, their families and friends, who together overcome the challenges of returning to civilian life.

A problem that cannot be ignored

More than 1.3 million Ukrainians have already returned from the war, and that number continues to grow daily. But a successful return involves more than demobilization — it requires meaningful reintegration: into family, community, the workplace, and society.
Often, veterans face not only psychological and physical challenges, but also barriers of misunderstanding or even fear from others.
As part of the “Live towards” platform, FUIB  has launched a podcast of the same name to show that the path to adaptation is a shared responsibility. It’s not just about “helping someone,” but about living together — moving toward one another.

What the podcast is about

In each episode, you’ll hear honest stories from those who returned from war and those who stand by their side. About difficult decisions, changes, losses — and the strength with which Ukrainians are building new lives.
The podcast is hosted by Danyel Salem, who has a deep understanding of his guests’ experiences and emotions. Each episode features an expert to contextualize the veteran experience, uncover new opportunities, and offer practical advice.

The first episode features the story of Zakhar Biryukov, a Special Operations Forces veteran who lost both arms, a leg, and an eye — but returned to life with extraordinary resilience. Alongside his sister Olesia, he shares how his family learned about the injury, how they accepted a new reality, and how they supported one another.
Military psychologist Nataliia Sablina provides practical guidance: how to talk to loved ones about injuries, how not to break down — and how to explain to a child why their father came back changed.

In addition to the main podcast episodes, there will be special episodes with Kseniia Drahaniuk — co-founder of the NGO Zemliachky, which supports women soldiers on the front lines. She will speak with female service members about adapting to change.

So, the second episode of the podcast will be dedicated to the topic of femininity after injuries. In it, servicemen Anastasia Savka and Yana Zalevska share their candid stories of recovery from serious injuries and tell how a photo shoot for the Playboy x FUIB project “Beauty with a Scar” helped them feel attractive and confident again. The episode’s expert, the famous photographer Konstantin Liberov, will talk about his work on this project and phototherapy.

Podcast Mission

•  To show that returning from war is about the support of those around you — not about solitary heroism.
•  To inspire Ukrainians to be more attentive, empathetic, and open to connection.
•  To explain that successful reintegration is possible — and it begins with open communication between all sides.

Who is this podcast for?

•  For those who want to take a step toward veterans.
• For loved ones seeking hope, faith, and real-life examples.
•  For entrepreneurs, employers, and activists — those who can and want to help.
•  For everyone who believes in the power of humanity.

Watch the premiere of " Live towards " on July 29 on PUMB’s YouTube channel. Subscribe to make sure you don't miss an episode and become part of a movement that’s building a strong and compassionate society.

Reference:

“Live Towards ” is a large-scale platform for the integration of veterans initiated by FUIB in partnership with Veteran HUB, Superhumans, Invictus Games Ukraine and Uklon Inclusive. Its goal is to help those returning from war to integrate qualitatively into financial processes, labor relations, entrepreneurship and society in general. Initiatives within the “Live Towards” platform contribute to the creation of new opportunities for veterans, as well as motivate businesses, communities and all Ukrainians to take steps towards each other. You can learn more about the platform, implemented and planned activities and join the initiatives on the website zhyty-nazustrich.com.ua. The project was created at the initiative of FUIB in conjunction with the Adsapience agency.