Moscow-born Doctor to Undertake Atlantic Row for Ukrainian Medical Aid

“I think it’s good to test yourself to see who you really are” — these are the words of a physician preparing for a solo transatlantic rowing expedition. Leo Krivski, who was born in Moscow, has been gathering funds to assist medical professionals in Ukraine through Ukrops, a charity he established a year ago. He is now getting ready to embark on his journey, aiming to generate additional financial contributions and raise awareness about the country’s aid requirements. Mr. Krivski, employed as a consultant anaesthetist at the University Hospital Southampton, anticipates the challenge could last between two to three months. Speaking with BBC Radio Solent before his departure on Thursday 12 December, Mr. Krivski indicated he was not daunted by the undertaking, attributing this to his intense preparation. He explained: “It’s unpredictable, I’m stocking up for 100 days. I haven’t had time to actually sit down and let it sink in, I just think about it in practical terms.” Mr. Krivski is resolute in his decision to complete the row to secure more funding for his medical colleagues in Ukraine. He shared that having grown up in Russia, he observed the treatment of Ukrainians from a young age. However, as his mother was from Ukraine, he visited frequently and later collaborated with Ukrainian medics in Crimea in 2014. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, he recounted that his wife’s parents were in Kyiv, and he was “horrified” to witness the city under attack. Mr. Krivski subsequently began volunteering, forging connections, transporting medical equipment to Ukraine, and eventually founding Ukrops. He continued: “I’ve made quite strong connections and friends who can make a difference. “We can have long lasting impact, it’s all personal, it’s all medics to medics and I have contacts on the ground so we can use the money in the best way we can.” Mr. Krivski has been diligently preparing for the row through weightlifting sessions at the gym and rowing practice on the Solent. He stated that focusing on raising money for the charity would “give him strength” during his Atlantic crossing. Mr. Krivski further added: “That and the friends, colleagues and family who have signed my cabin with various inspirational things, just looking at that I think will be empowering – and thinking about my Ukrainian colleagues and military people having much worse conditions not of their choosing. “I realise it’s going to be horrible at times but I’m looking forward to it, I think it’s good to test yourself to see who you really are, so I’m looking forward to discovering who I really am.” For updates, you can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.