“Now I have somewhere to return to”: Mykola Synkevych, a defender of Mariupol, has been given a flat by the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation
03.09.2026
Mykola Synkevych, a defender of Mariupol, has been given his own flat thanks to the “At Home” programme, which the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation is running in partnership with the “Heart of Azovstal” project. For a soldier who returned to Ukraine after being held captive by the russians, his new home offered an opportunity to rebuild his life and be reunited with his family.
Mykola, 53, a native of Mariupol, has dedicated almost 25 years to military service. He began his career as a law enforcement officer and later became a border guard. When the full-scale invasion began, he fought to defend Mariupol and was wounded. Following a failed attempt to break out of the city, he was taken prisoner by the russians. Mykola spent 995 days in captivity. For the first year, he was not even listed among the prisoners of war – to his family, he remained missing in action. During this time, he endured electric shock torture, mock executions, beatings and other forms of abuse, which seriously undermined his health.
The news of Mykola’s return was a true New Year’s miracle for the family. He was exchanged on the night of 31 December. After nearly three years in captivity, he finally returned home. However, his home was no longer there. Everything Mykola had before the full-scale war – a house, a flat, a summer cottage and a car – was left behind in occupied Mariupol. So, at the age of 53, he had to start his life practically from scratch.
The flat provided by the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation has been a significant step towards rebuilding Mykola’s life and an opportunity to be reunited with his wife, who was forced to move to Germany because of the war. Now she will finally be able to return to Ukraine to her own flat.
“My wife and I have just celebrated 30 years of marriage. This is such a wonderful gift for our anniversary. A huge thank you to Rinat Leonidovich for his help and support for veterans, people with disabilities and defenders. Now I have somewhere to return to,” says Mykola.
At the moment, Mykola is keen to find a job and is interested in the “Heart of Azovstal” projects so that he can undertake training if necessary. The defender is keen to be of use to society and to put his knowledge and experience to good use.
As she handed over the keys and the certificate, the Fund’s Director General, Kseniia Sukhova, emphasised that support for defenders does not end once they return from the front line. On the contrary, it is important for the Foundation and the “Heart of Azovstal” project to help them return to a full life, rebuild their daily lives and confidently build a future.
“Thank you for your service, thank you for protecting us, and we very much hope that this flat will mark a new beginning towards your brightest future,” says Kseniia Sukhova.
The “At Home” programme provides flats for Mariupol’s defenders with Group I and II disabilities. For them, having a home of their own is not only a solution to practical issues but also an important part of their journey of post-traumatic growth – a return to a fulfilling life after combat and captivity.
