4 years of fighting for health: how the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation is helping Ukrainian defender Vitalii Shumei recover
25.08.2026
Today, 25 August, marks four years since anti-aircraft missile system commander Vitalii Shumei sustained a severe blast injury near Avdiivka. Despite a difficult prognosis, today the defender is showing impressive progress: his speech is returning, his memory and limb mobility are recovering, and his eyesight is improving.
“He is starting to speak, starting to stand on his own during verticalisation, and his memory is recovering; his arms and legs have begun to work, he can already pull them up. Physiotherapists and masseurs are working with him constantly. A little more and he will be able to stand. For now, there is a problem with his eyes. Recently we were in Lviv – the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation helped us. He underwent an examination there, was prescribed medication, and he is taking it now. And he can already distinguish between day and night. I am very grateful that we are constantly being supported,” says Serhii Fedorovych, Vitalii’s father.
In the four years following his injury, Vitalii has completed an arduous path of rehabilitation. Initially, Shakhtar Donetsk Football Club helped him with treatment abroad; later, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation joined in to restore his vision. For his 38th birthday, the founder of the Foundation presented the defender with a house where he can recover after long-term treatment. Today, thanks to daily exercises and expert support, Vitalii’s condition is steadily improving.
“We are glad to see the defender’s progress. Rehabilitation remains a long and gradual process in which not only medical procedures are important, but also regular exercises and psychological support. Today, every result he achieves – from improved mobility to the ability to stand independently – is an important step towards greater independence and a return to an active life,” notes Kseniia Sukhova, Director General of the Foundation.
The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation also congratulated the defender on Ukraine’s Independence Day. Mykhailo Chaplia – a defender of Mariupol and a post-traumatic growth coach at the NGO Heart of Azovstal – visited Vitalii. He personally baked a symbolic “Independence Pie” at his Lviv burger house, which became a special gift for the defender on the national holiday.
“I baked this pie myself until three in the morning. I am very glad that Vitalii’s recovery is progressing in a very positive way, that he is even joking now. I follow the story of the Shumei family. It inspires people not to forget about humanity,” says Mykhailo Chaplia.
For Mykhailo, this meeting was of special significance. Having gone through battle and his own recovery, he knows well the value of mutual support and unity. He wished Vitalii strength, endurance and faith in a better future.
The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation emphasises that it will continue to stay in touch with the Shumei family. For the charitable organisation, it is important to keep track of Vitalii’s progress, to know the family’s current needs, and, whenever possible, to provide prompt assistance in resolving issues related to his further recovery. After all, Vitalii Shumei’s story is an example of courage, resilience and strength of spirit, and his path to recovery continues to inspire Ukrainians not to lose faith even in the hardest times.
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