Over 100,000 people in Ukraine have lost limbs as a result of the Russian war of aggression. In order to enable these affected people to have a better quality of life and participation, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia has supported the construction of a modern prosthesis workshop in its Ukrainian partner region, the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
On July 3, 2026, a modern prosthetics workshop was opened at the Solonyy Lyman rehabilitation center (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine) – a project that not only brings back medical care, but above all quality of life and self-determination. Initiated and funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (€750,000) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (€545,000), GIZ has created a place that offers seriously injured people a chance of mobility and a dignified life after the Russian war of aggression.
© Robin Teller
More than technology: A step back to independence
Five modern workplaces have been set up on 300 square metres, where prosthesis technicians trained according to international standards will produce and adapt tailor-made prostheses in the future. A total of ten prosthesis technicians were trained according to international standards. But the project goes far beyond technical care: it includes
- holistic rehabilitation: Through a professional exchange with the BG Klinikum Duisburg, not only medical but also social reintegration strategies are developed.
- sustainable prospects: Those affected not only receive a prosthesis, but also the opportunity to participate in social life again.
The high number of amputations in the region is a tragic consequence of the Russian war of aggression. Minister Nathanael Liminski emphasized at the opening via video conference: "The prosthesis workshop is a place of hope. Those who receive a suitable prosthesis regain much more than mobility – often it is the chance of a self-determined life. At the same time, it hurts that such a workshop is needed at all.”
Governor Oleksandr Hanzha thanked Germany's support: "For thousands of Ukrainians, this workshop means the chance to walk, work and build a future for themselves. Thanks to North Rhine-Westphalia, the Federal Government and all partners who have made this important project possible."
© Robin Teller
GIZ as a bridge-builder
As the project management agency, GIZ played a key role in the implementation – from planning and training the experts to networking with German experts. This commitment shows how international cooperation and sustainable development enable concrete help in times of crisis.
"The prosthesis workshop is a place of hope for many seriously injured people in Dnipropetrovsk. After all, those who receive a suitable prosthesis regain much more than mobility – often it is the chance of a return to a self-determined life. At the same time, it hurts that such a workshop is needed at all. The high number of amputations once again shows the full cruelty of the Russian war of aggression. This makes it all the more important to support Ukraine in getting up again and again, alleviating the suffering of the people and strengthening the country's resilience. As part of its regional partnership with Dnipropetrovsk, the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia will continue to actively oppose the inhumane brutality of the Russian war of aggression with active humanity." Quote Nathanel Liminski, Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs and Media of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia |
© Robin Teller