Artem Grot, a veteran of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces and a prominent figure in veteran initiatives, is set to launch a restaurant in central Kyiv. The establishment aims to provide employment for returning soldiers, foster community connections, and promote independence from donations.
In an interview with RBC-Ukraine, Grot discussed his experiences in the military, his business ventures, and his vision for a new model of community support for veterans.
Originally from Belarus, Grot moved to Ukraine at the age of 18 to fight in the 2014 conflict. He first joined the Azov Battalion and later served in the Special Operations Forces, where he sustained injuries that resulted in the amputation of his leg.
Despite his challenges, Grot has remained in Ukraine, identifying strongly with the country and actively pursuing new projects. His initiatives include TMS HUB, a sports facility for military rehabilitation that has expanded into a network of veteran clubs, the M13 FIGHTS boxing club, and the MEMORIA MMC motorcycle club.
Grot is also a decorated athlete, holding titles such as the World Champion in Para Jiu-Jitsu (Abu Dhabi, 2025) and multiple national championships.
The upcoming restaurant represents a fresh perspective on the veteran movement, emphasizing the potential for soldiers to reintegrate into civilian life as active, successful members of society.
In the interview, Grot explained how the idea for the restaurant emerged. “This concept found us,” he said. “For years, I have been dedicated to creating rehabilitation opportunities for veterans. When I was searching for a new location for our projects, I received a favorable offer for a building that previously housed a cafeteria. I thought, why not? It’s a logical step to create job opportunities for those returning from the front lines after focusing on physical and mental recovery through sports.”
Reflecting on his military journey, Grot recounted how he connected with military circles through his involvement in football and fan movements. He served in Azov from 2014 to 2015 and continued with the Special Operations Forces until 2021.
When asked about his transition from military life to civilian projects, Grot stated, “I cannot be near the war without participating directly. I either engage fully or not at all. That’s why I chose a military-sports path focused on veteran rehabilitation.”
His achievements in sports have been significant, especially in Jiu-Jitsu, which he chose for its adaptability for individuals with disabilities. Grot noted, “Many veterans have lost limbs, and Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most accommodating sports for them because it primarily involves ground fighting, which doesn’t require standing on two feet.”
Grot also discussed the need for community spaces for veterans, highlighting that there are currently over 10,000 individuals in Ukraine with amputations due to the ongoing conflict. He expressed a commitment to inclusivity within his clubs, stating, “I welcome everyone, and we are already outgrowing our current space.”
Despite the challenges of limited space, Grot sees the restaurant as a strategic move to expand their operations and reduce reliance on donations. “We are looking to create a successful business that is not solely tied to sports, motorcycles, or the military. This venture will help us become less dependent on external funding,” he explained.
Grot outlined the dual funding sources for his initiatives: membership fees and private donations, as well as grant support, which has become crucial as public donations have decreased over the years. He emphasized the importance of building a self-sustaining model for veterans, stating, “I want to create conditions where we can generate our own income to support our initiatives. No one knows our needs better than we do.”
As for the future of his club and restaurant, Grot envisions a comprehensive support system for veterans across Ukraine, creating a network of communities similar to what he has established in Kyiv. He also shared insights into his fighting club, M13 FIGHTS, which focuses on military personnel and features various combat sports, including boxing and historical martial arts.
Reflecting on his journey from Belarus to Ukraine, Grot described a pivotal moment that led him to enlist. After a chance encounter with a Belarusian opposition leader, he realized that he wanted to make a difference, prompting his decision to join the fight in Ukraine.
Today, Grot identifies as a Ukrainian of Belarusian descent, having spent the majority of his adult life in Ukraine. His story embodies resilience and the potential for veterans to thrive in civilian life.
Artem Grot, a veteran of Ukraine's Special Operations Forces, is opening a restaurant in Kyiv aimed at providing jobs for fellow veterans and fostering community ties. His initiatives reflect a commitment to creating sustainable opportunities for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
Source: RBC-Ukraine