Rehabilitation after complex amputation

"Before the war, my life was simple and peaceful. I worked in manufacturing, looked forward to weekends to go fishing, and made ordinary plans like many men do. I didn’t look for war, and I never dreamed about it. On December 2, 2021, I began my military journey. I served my compulsory service in the Naval Forces, and our unit was stationed in Odesa and Mykolaiv regions. That was the first time I saw how close death can be and how much every single day of life truly matters.

In 2024, those of us serving compulsory service were discharged for a year. I had the choice to return to civilian life. But I couldn’t. I saw that the war wasn’t over – that it was happening here and now. So in 2025, I voluntarily mobilized and joined the 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade. I was sent to the Kharkiv direction. I knew it would be difficult there. But I knew what I was fighting for.

On August 17, 2025, in the city of Vovchansk, we were carrying out a combat mission, holding a defensive position. At one moment, an enemy UAV dropped a munition. There was an explosion. I remained conscious. And I will remember that moment forever – the pain, the shock, the blood, and the full realization that it was either act now or there would be no "later".

I applied my own first aid, putting on tourniquets. My comrade was nearby. He was also in shock, but he pulled himself together and helped me tighten the tourniquets. Because of continuous shelling, we could not reach evacuation for a long time. When the opportunity finally came, my comrade carried me out on his back because I was already losing consciousness. In total, I was in tourniquets for over nine hours. That is what saved my life. And that is the reason both of my legs had to be amputated.

The first operation was in Kharkiv. I was stabilized and then sent to Kyiv. After that Lviv. Several difficult surgeries, hospitals, pain, and the realization of a new reality. High amputation of both lower limbs – this is not just a medical diagnosis. It is the moment when you have to learn to live again, accept yourself, and not break.

Right now, I’m not making long‑term plans. For me, the most important things are to restore my physical and psychological state, learn how to live in these new conditions, and regain my independence and belief in the future. I want to live fully, despite everything that has happened to me.

For this, I need quality, specialized rehabilitation at the Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center of the NCSIU – a place where they work with complex cases like mine, providing not only recovery but also a chance for an active life. Such rehabilitation requires significant funds, so I am forced to ask for help.

I went through the war and survived. But the path after injury is another fight. I know it will be difficult ahead, but I also know I am not alone. With support, I will be able to stand up, become stronger, and feel the taste of life again".