Oleksandr Budko to Star as Bachelor in Ukrainian Reality TV Show
Oleksandr Budko, a 28-year-old war hero, ballet dancer, and comedian, is set to star in the Ukrainian version of "The Bachelor" this autumn. Budko, who lost both his legs during combat, joined the Carpathian Sich 49th Infantry Battalion when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. He was promoted to platoon commander but his military career ended in August of the same year after a shell explosion in Izyum.
Despite his injuries, Budko has excelled in various fields, winning a bronze medal in swimming at Prince Harry's Invictus Games in 2023. He has also performed with the United Ukrainian Ballet in California and ventured into stand-up comedy and television presenting. His travel show, "Leg Dump," focuses on increasing accessibility in Ukrainian cities.
Budko's participation in "The Bachelor" aims to show his resilience and search for love with someone who respects veterans and values inclusive spaces. The show's producers hope his story will resonate amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The series, a popular franchise that originated in the U.S., involves a bachelor choosing a partner from a group of contestants, culminating in a proposal.