Ukraine war amputee now fights as sitting volleyballer

Yevhenii Korinets is an adrenaline-fuelled man on a mission. Even if Ukraine are out of medal contention in sitting volleyball at the Paralympics, the war amputee is in Paris to deliver a message - his country will not stop fighting, on and off the battlefield.

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Korinets joined the army as a paramedic when Russia's full-scale invasion started in February 2022.

The former physiotherapist became one of thousands left with life-altering injuries when he was wounded in a fierce battle near the eastern city of Bakhmut in March 2023 and had his left leg amputated at the hip.

Sport helped him get his life back on track.

"The most difficult time was the initial stages after the injury because the pain was severe and had to be managed with medication.

The first two to three months were particularly tough," the bulky, baby-faced 25-year-old said.

A former volleyball player, Korinets had connections and skills that helped him make his way to the Ukrainian Paralympic team for Paris 2024.