Soldier Andrii Holopapa, call sign "OTETS'" (Father)
My name is Andrii. I am 19, I am a 2nd year student in Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, studying physics.
My life was quite busy before the invasion: being a member of a political party, cycling, active social movement, etc. However, autumn 2021 brought irrevocable changes.
I realized that the war was coming.
Many of my friends thought I was crazy with patriotism, most of them didn't understand either my extreme love for our homeland Ukraine or my "paranoia" about a possible full-scale invasion.
The semester, as well as the year, began with a firm understanding that the war was on the doorstep, which, unfortunately, few people shared with me.
I joined an initiative group organized by our party in Kyiv to inspect the state of bomb shelters for the population, signed up for training that took place at ATEK, ordered uniforms, flags, reviewed various tactical guidelines, etc. However, mistakenly believing that I had more time, I did not get a chance to use most of them.
February 24th greeted me with an air-raid alert and havoc in the dormitory... I realized that the war had started.
Without hesitation, I packed the most valuable things into my backpack - documents, money and flags, and went to the military registration and enlistment office.
The situation was already extremely pessimistic for the city of Kyiv, so they accepted everyone. I was enrolled in the 101st Brigade to guard the heart of the Armed Forces - the General Headquarters.
During the long, seemingly endless 7 months of war, a lot happened. However, only in September we were sent to the Donetsk region, where my baptism of fire took place.
At the frontline, I was given the call sign "Otets'" (Father) - because of my excessive calmness and a bunch of amulets that rattled on my neck. And partly because of my surname.
So far, there were no casualties among my comrades, but that notorious mortar shot changed everything - it wounded three, including me, turning us into cargo 300.
Some say I was unlucky, because the shell hit the target - paradoxical, given the level of training of the separatists. However, I think otherwise. I have been lucky many times in my life, and that day was almost the biggest one. Everything could have been much worse.
As a result of the wound, my left lower limb was amputated, but I survived, for which I am grateful to my sworn brothers and doctors.
Next year I plan to resume my studies, further mastering my rather difficult specialty. I dream to continue living the way I lived before the war. And to do it in a Free and Independent Ukraine!
On his way to the getting a prosthesis, Andrii went through repeated amputations, complex rehabilitation and a lengthy wait for his wounds to heal.
Owing to the professional work of the Superhumans Centre, Andrii received a long-awaited prosthetic leg.
Therefore, all remaining funds raised for Andrii's prosthetics, at his request, will be redirected to help other soldiers under the care of the "Citizen" charity foundation.
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Andrii Holopapa is a warrior who sacrificed his health for Ukraine. Today, he is asking for support because he needs a prosthetic repair — specifically, the replacement of the socket and the purchase of a new liner for it. This isn’t just a part. It’s a critical component that ensures a secure and safe connection between the body and the prosthesis. Without it, walking is simply impossible.
At first glance, it may seem like a routine part of prosthetic care. However, as the head of the prosthetic company, Oleksandr Stetsenko, explained in his post, since October 2024, the government has effectively stopped reimbursing the cost of such repairs.
The reason lies in the amendments to Cabinet Resolution No. 321, which came into force on October 29, 2024. From now on, manufacturers can only receive payment for socket replacement if at least 80% of the total cost goes toward materials, labor, and production expenses. Everything else — logistics, administration, taxes — is limited to just 10%. This artificially imposed restriction doesn’t reflect the actual cost structure. As a result, manufacturers are forced to operate at a loss or refuse such orders altogether.
Even worse — repairs that have already been completed cannot be reimbursed. In this situation, hundreds of wounded veterans like Andrii are left to face the problem alone.
That is why this defender must turn to charitable donors for help. Not because it’s convenient — but because there’s simply no other way.
A prosthetic socket isn’t just plastic. It’s his ability to stand. His mobility. His dignity. His life after the front.
The war is ongoing. And support is needed not only on the frontlines.
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Andrii Holopapa’s prosthesis has been repaired. The socket — the key component of the prosthesis without which it cannot be used — has been replaced.
The prosthetist team made the new socket as comfortable and reliable as possible. This is especially important for Andrii, since he is an active young man who is constantly on the move: walking a lot, volunteering, and working as a public figure.
Thanks to your support, Andrii can once again move forward with confidence, pursue his goals, and help others.
Heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the fundraiser! Every hryvnia, every share, every kind word of encouragement made a difference. Together, we are helping our defenders return to an active life after the front.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 17,067.50
TOTAL COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 383,902.43