Soldier Oleksiy Zviahin, call sign is KUSTO

My name is Oleksiy Zviahin, born on August 25, 1989. My call sign is KUSTO.

I am a senior soldier of the 28th Separate Rifle Battalion, now a war veteran and a first-group disabled person.

I’m originally from Kramatorsk, Donetsk region. From 2016 to 2021, I served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine on a contract basis. In 2022, at the start of the full-scale invasion, I volunteered to return to the military.

In January 2023, while performing a combat mission as part of a separate machine gun platoon under the command of the operational-tactical group "Soledar" on the outskirts of Klishchiivka in the Bakhmut district, I sustained a penetrating gunshot and shrapnel wound to the head. My comrades provided first aid. We walked 7 kilometers from the frontline, with the last 2 kilometers being carried by my comrades as I had lost consciousness.

After that, it was Dnipro, surgery, a coma, and a long road to rehabilitation.

I had to learn to speak again, with every new sound being a major victory. The thirst for life, perseverance, and support from my loved ones paid off – I got up from the wheelchair and walked! Seven months after coming out of the coma, I climbed Mount Kostricha.

Mountains and traveling are my passion and inspiration for rehabilitation. Psychological retreats and mountain therapy have significantly aided my recovery. While my progress has been substantial, the right side of my body still functions poorly. My current goal is to restore my hand and improve my speech, so I need qualified rehabilitation support at the Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center.

 

 

Oleksii successfully completed a 30-day rehabilitation course.

The rehabilitation goals aimed at improving gait patterns, reducing the risk of falls, increasing lower limb strength, and enhancing overall physical fitness have been achieved.

Thank you all for your support and for spreading the word!

Strength lies in the unity of many!
 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 90,000