Kyiv — Oleksandr Budko, a 26-year-old Ukrainian war veteran who lost both legs during the defense of the Kharkiv region, is set to become the star of Ukraine's version of *The Bachelor*. Budko, who was critically injured in August 2022 while defending his country from Russian forces, has since become a symbol of resilience and hope for millions of Ukrainians.

The former soldier, now walking with prosthetic legs, is using his newfound fame to challenge perceptions about disabled veterans in Ukraine. In an interview conducted in a rose garden in Kyiv, Oleksandr shared his thoughts on finding love on national television and his hopes for raising awareness about the challenges faced by disabled Ukrainians.

"This show is watched by millions of people, and it presents a huge opportunity to positively influence their outlook," he explained. Budko, who recently ended a relationship, acknowledged that choosing a partner under the scrutiny of "millions of people watching" would be difficult but expressed optimism about the journey ahead.

His participation in *The Bachelor* is about more than just romance. Budko is determined to show that injured veterans are not "outsiders, but full members of society who are living a good life." Reflecting on his own experiences, he said, "In my case, my life is now even better than before the war, better than before I got injured."

The announcement of Budko as the lead of *The Bachelor* caused such a surge in interest that the show's application portal crashed shortly after it was revealed. Producers are casting Budko as a beacon of hope in a country still reeling from the ongoing war. "Despite his amputations, Oleksandr rides a bike, drives a car, and climbs mountains. He lives life to the fullest," said Natalia Franchuk, from STB, the network airing the show. "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?"

Before the war, Budko was a barista in Kyiv, working toward a degree in graphic design. His dreams were typical: traveling, growing professionally, and starting a family. However, everything changed when he joined the army to defend his country. Stationed near Izyum, a city under Russian occupation, Budko was critically injured by a shell explosion that led to the amputation of both his legs.

"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," he recalled. Despite the severity of his injuries, Budko's determination to live a full life remained unshaken. Within six months of his injury, he was walking again with the help of prosthetics.

Budko's experiences have highlighted the significant accessibility challenges in Ukraine, particularly in the capital city of Kyiv. "When I didn't have prostheses, I had to move around in a wheelchair. I discovered how inaccessible and unsuited Kyiv was for wheelchair users, even though it’s the capital city," he noted. His comments reflect a broader issue as tens of thousands of Ukrainians are estimated to have lost limbs due to the war, prompting greater awareness of the need for accessibility improvements.

In addition to starring in *The Bachelor*, Budko has taken on various other projects. He presented a reality show called *Legs Off*, which documents the difficulties faced by disabled people in Ukrainian cities. He has also written a book, won medals at the Invictus Games, and even performed with a ballet troupe in the United States. His achievements have made him a popular figure, both in Ukraine and internationally. Budko was even seen shaking hands with Prince Harry during the Invictus Games, further underscoring his rising profile.

As Budko prepares to embark on his journey to find love on *The Bachelor*, he remains focused on his mission to inspire and uplift others. "I want to show that life doesn't end after injury. You can still live a full life, pursue your dreams, and even find love," he said, embodying a message of hope for millions watching both in Ukraine and around the world.