Ukraine achieved its best athletic success in Invictus Games history, winning 12 gold medals and 34 overall from September 9 to 16. Its best results came in rowing, swimming and archery. Like other participants, Ukraine mostly attends the games to encourage rehabilitation through sport. It has been doing so since 2017.
But Ukraine has also used it as a chance to promote its needs in the war. And this year, an Invictus Champion wore the phrase “We need Leopards” as he competed in archery and ultimately won a gold medal. As European politicians, military leaders, and royalty were in attendance, the message might have found an effective audience that could deliver Leopard 2s.
The Ukrainian Champion Pavlo Luchkiv
Pavlo Luchkiv competed in four sports: Archery, table tennis, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby. But he earned his gold medal and the title “Invictus Champion” in men’s open compound archery, defeating Polish, Korean, and German archers to do so.
Visible on his arm during each draw of his bow, he had the message “We need Leopards” in large block letters stenciled on his forearm. It was almost certainly a reference to Leopard 1 and 2 tanks manufactured in Germany and deployed in militaries across Europe.
The Leopard 1 and 2 Tanks
Allies of Ukraine promised main battle tanks to help the country in its major counteroffensive against Russia. Ukraine has succeeded in reclaiming strategically valuable land, like a salient that threatens one of Russia’s most important supply routes.
But Western armor quickly got bogged down trying to navigate Russian minefields, forcing Ukrainians to clear many areas on foot. When Ukraine pierces a defensive belt, it relies on armor to quickly push forward and cement the gains before Russia counterattacks.
Three of the most modern capable tanks promised to Ukraine are Challenger, Leopard, and Abrams main battle tanks. All three outclass any Russian armor they might run into. But Abrams still haven’t arrived and Challengers were donated in low numbers from the few users of the tank. The Leopard, widely deployed across Europe, still in production, and highly capable, represents the best hope of Ukrainian armored reinforcements.
The war continues
Most athletes in the Invictus Games come from countries at peace, and many are medically retired. But the Ukrainian team faces constant threats until it reaches the games and again the moment it returns to its home country.
At the 2022 games, a daughter competed as a representative for her mother, Yulia Paievska. Many know her better by her alias, Taira. Russian forces captured Taira just weeks before, and she remained in captivity during the games.
This year, Prince Harry highlighted the mom at the opening ceremonies. And a host interviewed the daughter at closing. She also took medals in a few events.
This year, a Ukrainian team captain was killed in combat just weeks before the games. Ukraine held a ceremony honoring his memory, those of other Ukrainians killed, and the honored dead of its allies in a ceremony on September 11.
Some Ukrainian athletes will return to the frontlines, and the debate over supplying Leopard 2 and other tanks remains visceral for them.