Oleksandr Budko (Teren)
Oleksandr Budko (Teren) – Biography
Basic information
Date of Birth: May 13, 1996
Place of birth: Rivne, Ukraine
Age: 28 years old
Field of activity: Military, veteran, athlete, writer, public figure
Call sign: “Teren”
Literary pseudonym: Alexander Teren
Oleksandr Budko, known by his pseudonym “Teren,” is a prominent Ukrainian veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, activist, athlete, writer, and media personality. For his unwavering stance and courage, he has become a symbol of resilience and an example for many Ukrainians, including veterans and people with disabilities.
Early years and career before the war
Born in the city of Rivne, Oleksandr received a technical education and later moved to Kyiv, where he worked as a bar manager. At the same time, he took courses in graphic design and was actively involved in sports, including powerlifting and martial arts. His life changed on February 24, 2022, when Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. On the same day, he volunteered to go to the military registration and enlistment office, eager to defend his homeland. Despite an initial refusal due to his health condition, Oleksandr joined the Carpathian Sich battalion and soon became a platoon commander.
Military career and injuries
During the Slobozhansk counter-offensive in the Kharkiv region on August 24, 2022, on the Independence Day of Ukraine, Oleksandr was seriously wounded, losing both legs. The injury was so serious that his comrades had to dig him out of the ground, where he had been left by a shell explosion. After several amputations and lengthy rehabilitation in Ukraine and the United States, Oleksandr received prosthetic limbs and began to play sports.
Sports activities
After regaining his health and fitness, Oleksandr joined the Invictus Games national team. In September 2023, he became a bronze medalist in the 50-meter swimming in the ISB class. In addition to swimming, he has participated in powerlifting and wheelchair basketball, demonstrating high results. Through his sporting achievements, he continues to motivate other veterans and people with disabilities to lead active lives and achieve self-realization.
Media and public activities
Oleksandr is actively working to change public attitudes towards veterans and people with disabilities in Ukraine. He is the host and co-founder of the travel show “Leg Dump, or All Inclusive,” in which he checks Ukrainian cities for accessibility for people with disabilities. The project has gained popularity, attracting such well-known media personalities as Masha Efrosinina and Dmytro Monatik, and has drawn attention to the problems of barrier-free accessibility in Ukrainian cities. Oleksandr is also not afraid to publicly criticize the government, drawing attention to the shortcomings of urban infrastructure and the work of government agencies.
In 2024, Oleksandr decided to take part in the popular show The Bachelor, becoming the first veteran to appear on the project. His goal is not only to find love, but also to draw attention to the problems of veterans and people with disabilities, to show that their lives can be full and happy.
Literary activity
Oleksandr is the author of an autobiographical novel, The Story of a Stubborn Man, in which he describes his journey from volunteer to wounded veteran who does not give up despite all the difficulties. The book received positive reviews, and its presentation became an important event in the cultural life of Ukraine. He also plans to translate the book into English and present it internationally.
Cultural projects and charity
Oleksandr became known not only for his military and sports activities, but also for his active participation in cultural events. In May 2023, he attended the Cannes Film Festival, where he became the star of a charity event in support of Ukraine. In the summer of the same year, he danced at a charity ballet performance in California with the United Ukrainian Ballet. The funds raised were used for humanitarian aid for the Ukrainian military. In addition, he became the main character in the documentary Front Row, produced by Hollywood actress Sarah Jessica Parker.
Personal life
After breaking up with his girlfriend Daryna in January 2024, Oleksandr decided to take part in The Bachelor, looking for an opportunity to build a new relationship. He wants to find a woman who shares his values, has a conscious stance on Ukrainian independence and inclusiveness, and is ready to grow with him. Therefore, we invite you to watch the show with the Bachelor on November 1.
Future plans
Oleksandr plans to continue his social and media activities to change public attitudes towards people with disabilities and veterans. He also intends to deepen his involvement in sports and the arts, develop as a media personality, and act in feature films. His life story is an example of resilience, self-belief and boundless love for life and Ukraine.
