Soldier Denys Ivanov, call sign BOXER

My name is Ivanov Denys, callsign 'Boxer,' Senior Sergeant of the 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade. I've been serving under a contract since 2016.

While performing a combat mission in the Donetsk direction near the town of Vuhledar, I came under mortar fire. At that time, I had just returned after an evacuation as a wounded soldier. I stepped out of the vehicle and heard the first explosion; the second one was mine. The shell struck the right wing of the vehicle, and I was near the driver's door. I regained consciousness lying on the ground and saw my right leg was severed. I was lucky because the explosion cauterized the wound, and I didn't bleed out.

I tried to crawl away from the burning vehicle but realized my left arm was not functioning (both bones were broken), and my left leg was covered in shrapnel wounds. In general, my car took most of the shrapnel, which can be said to have saved my life.

The shelling continued. I clutched my severed leg to myself (because my documents were in the pocket), heard my comrades running up, and they carried me to the nearest dugout. I don't remember how long I was there. I only remember being extremely thirsty and sleepy, and being heavily covered in soil from the shelling.

After the shelling ended, they took me to Kurakhove, where I received first aid, then to Pokrovsk, and further to Dnipro, to Mechnikov Hospital. I spent two weeks in intensive care, which I don't remember, underwent five surgeries, and then was evacuated to Vinnytsia. There, I had another surgery on my arm and spent five months in the hospital.

Then came the prosthetics and rehabilitation.

Having gone through the treatment and prosthetics, I decided to stay in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I understand how much work still lies ahead and that I can be useful, though not on the front lines.

Unfortunately, after the prosthetics, my stump continues to change in volume. I am forced to change the socket and liner again. I have already used all the liners provided free of charge by the state, so I am appealing to a charitable foundation with a request to purchase a new liner, without which wearing the prosthesis is impossible.

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO A JAPANESE BENEFACTOR FOR THE DONATION MADE THROUGH THE EMBASSY OF UKRAINE IN JAPAN! 

 

TRANSFERRED: UAH 29,617.77