More than four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, large parts of the country remain hazardous, especially in frontline and formerly occupied areas. Among those injured is Oleksandr, a Ukrainian veteran and endurance athlete who lost part of his mobility after stepping on a Soviet-designed “petal” mine during a reconnaissance mission in the Donetsk region in 2024. Despite his injuries, he has returned to competition and is now training in paracycling. Aid groups say the scale of contamination threatens civilians, farmers and entire communities, while demining efforts are expected to take years, if not decades. For survivors like Oleksandr, recovery has become a second battle, fought with persistence, pain and resolve.