People with disabilities weave camouflage nets for the army in Odesa region

In the heart of the Odesa region, in the Bolhrad municipality, a remarkable story of solidarity and patriotism unfolds against the backdrop of the full-scale Russian invasion. People with disabilities, united by a common cause, have become silent heroes, working tirelessly for the needs of the Ukrainian army by making critically important camouflage nets. This moving initiative was featured in a report on the program "The Voice of the Bulgarians" on the Ukrainian television channel "Suspilne Odesa", hosted by Ani Terzivets.

One of the most inspiring participants in this community effort is Mykola. A native of the Dnipropetrovsk region, he lost his sight in childhood. Despite this, Mykola found his home and family in the Bulgarian village of Zaliznychne, part of the Bolhrad district, where he is raising three children. From the very beginning of the war, he dedicated himself to the cause, helping to create the foundations of the camouflage nets. Today, together with his wife and other volunteers, he continues to work for the front, showing that will and spirit are stronger than any physical limitations.

The work of these volunteers is strictly organized and effective. All the net foundations made in Zaliznychne are transported to Bolhrad. There, local volunteers take over, turning them into full-fledged camouflage coverings, ready to save lives on the front line. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the total volume of nets produced has reached an impressive over six thousand square meters — a testament to the perseverance and dedication of the people.

Organization and process

The activity is coordinated by the local organization for people with disabilities “Victoria,” which was established about two decades ago. After February 2022, the organization completely redirected its mission to supporting the Ukrainian forces. The volunteers work in groups, and internally displaced persons who have found refuge in the area have also joined them.

The production process begins with the collection of materials — fabrics, ropes, and foundations. In the beginning, they used donated clothes and scraps from sewing workshops, which were dyed in suitable colors and then woven into the heavy nets. Thanks to the generosity of donors, today they have lighter foundations, which significantly speeds up production.

Although the process is labor-intensive and often takes entire days, the volunteers do not lose their enthusiasm. "Our principle is simple — we weave until victory", they declare. They realize that every net is invaluable and can save someone's life at the front. "How can we not help, when we know that someone's life depends on it?" — they add, showing their deep motivation.

Who receives the help?

The nets are sent primarily to the 88th separate battalion, but also to units of:

• Territorial Defense
• Air Defense
• the police
• the Navy and Marine Corps

Weaving nets is not just work, but a true community ritual, accompanied by the spirit of Bulgarian songs that keep the morale of the volunteers high and turn the hard work into a unifying experience. The full report from this inspiring place is available in the program "The Voice of the Bulgarians" on "Suspilne Odesa".