Half a world away from war, Ukrainian veterans compete at Invictus Games [Video]

The Invictus Games are set to kick off in Vancouver and Whistler on Saturday, and of the more than 20 nations taking part, there’s little doubt the chance to compete means the most to the one country currently at war.

The multi-sport tournament draws athletes who are wounded, injured or sick military service personnel, both serving and veterans.

Some of those athletes, like Illia Haiduk, hail from Ukraine, which has been at active war since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

“It’s very great thing to me,” Haiduk said of the games.

“I just don’t feel like I am injured, like I’ve got some problems. I just live my life like I did before. It’s a very great project, this Invictus.”

Haiduk, who walks with a prosthetic after having his leg amputated, is competing in skiing, skeleton, rowing and wheelchair basketball.

It’s a far cry from his former life.

The 34-year-old served as a police officer for more than six years …