Ukrainian chemist Artur Mylin lost his right leg above the knee in an October 2022 Russian rocket attack. He competed at the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver-Whistler. [Stephen J. Thorne/Legion Magazine]

Invictus Games 2025: A Ukrainian athlete recounts his story

STORY BY STEPHEN J. THORNE

Ukrainian chemist Artur Mylin was working at the Academy of Sciences in Kyiv when Russian forces invaded his homeland on Feb. 24, 2022.

Mylin, with a PhD in chemical sciences, two lucrative grants and a president’s scholarship under his belt, had been planning to move to Canada, home to the world’s third-largest population of Ukrainian heritage.

“I wanted to move not because I don’t love my country, but to see the world and gain some experience,” he said. “I wanted to live life as interestingly as possible. That was the goal. I improved my English and prepared documents.”

READ MORE

More from Front Lines

• The Invictus Top 40: Entertainers at the Games
• Invictus Games 2025: The joys of overcoming obstacles in Vancouver-Whistler
• Canada announces Arctic foreign policy overhaul

Shop now!

Ottawa-based historian and founder of OTD Military History, Brad St. Croix. [Brad St. Croix]

History in a digital Wild West: Brad St. Croix on internet-age military myths

STORY BY ALEX BOWERS

Some years ago, while trying to highlight Canada’s military heritage, Ottawa-based historian Brad St. Croix turned to audiences on various social media platforms including YouTube. The PhD holder, who has previously worked with institutions such as the Canadian War Museum and the Juno Beach Centre, succeeded in cultivating a large online community of like-minded individuals. He also, however, encountered myths, misinformation and disinformation surrounding the country’s wartime efforts.

While the internet continues to be a hotbed for falsehoods, St. Croix has since founded the “On This Day Military History” brand as a trustworthy resource.

Here, St. Croix discusses the triumphs and pitfalls of his endeavours.

READ MORE

More from The Briefing

• Documentarian Zach Dunn talks global veteran stories
• Good Allies: Historian Tim Cook talks his new book and how WW II shaped American-Canadian relations
• Where the walls tell the tales: Exploring the Crow’s Nest Officers’ Club in St. John’s, N.L.

Member Benefit Partner

Canadian homeowners aged 55+ can access up to 55% of their home’s value without having to sell. As a proud partner of the Royal Canadian Legion, HomeEquity Bank offers Legion members $500 cash back* upon funding their CHIP Reverse Mortgage. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3ln5vfo

Learn More