How 3D Printers Help Reconstruct Faces of Wounded Ukrainian Soldiers

The war between Russia and Ukraine has caused tremendous loss. About a third of Ukraine’s wounded have suffered harsh injuries. Many are caused by drone attacks, shellfire, and other explosions. These injuries are not only physically devastating, but psychologically damaging as well.

Russian forces have been relentless in their invasion of Ukraine, which has been condemned by Western nations as being done unlawfully and unprovoked. They are accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, with President Vladimir Putin and other leaders under indictment from the International Criminal Court.

Ukranian soldiers have faced particular hardship in the war. With their bodies often left distorted from injuries, many are ashamed of their new appearance. The two-and-a-half year war has caused over 50,000 soldiers to become amputees. This is why a clinic in Kyiv is offering 3D-printed prosthetics to reconstruct faces. Oleksander Didur, a former Ukrainian soldier has faced scars across his forehead and chin. With his left eye socket higher than the right even after many surgeries, he was given the opportunity to have a prosthetic eye. Didur is among many others who also received prosthetics. These have proved to be key in ensuring veterans can live life with as little pain as possible, and without feeling too ashamed about others seeing their appearance.

Connections:
Development: New technologies can be useful in mitigating the damages of war, especially as foreign countries invest resources into combat zones.
Peace: Even after a war ends, the lingering damages of the conflict will make it difficult to achieve a positive peace. Investment efforts and technological developments will hopefully make it easier for veterans to live a more peaceful life.