Soldier Vasyl, call sign CAT

I voluntarily took up the defense of Ukraine from the first days of the full-scale invasion. On February 28, 2022, I joined the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo. At that time, I was 25 years old. My first combat mission took place in August, and I participated in the liberation of the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions. After that, in October, we were sent for replenishment to Makariv, Kyiv region, as we had suffered significant losses.

After training in drone operation, I was assigned as a UAV operator in a reconnaissance platoon. Our unit moved to the Donetsk direction, where I worked in many locations, including Soledar, Bakhmutske, Kurdiumivka, and Ozarianivka. There were constant shellings, and the enemy used all kinds of weapons.

My last combat mission was on December 18, 2022. During the task, there were three of us: me, NIMYI, and LYKHYI. Suddenly, we came under targeted fire from a 120-mm mortar. One of the shells landed right on us. LYKHYI was standing in front of me and took the brunt of the impact, dying instantly. I sustained severe injuries: my knee was blown out, shrapnel hit my left eye, and my right shoulder and left thigh were also wounded. NIMYI was also critically injured.

After the explosion, without losing consciousness, I applied a tourniquet to myself. NIMYI was screaming in pain, asking for help. I crawled over to him and saw his right side, trying to help, but it was in vain; his wounds were too serious. So I quickly contacted the commander via radio and reported the need for an urgent evacuation. After three hours, a BMP arrived, and we were evacuated. I was taken to Kostiantynivka, where I received first aid and had my leg amputated. I was then transferred to Dnipro, to the Mechnikov Hospital, where I fell into a coma for a day and a half. After that, I was transferred to the Lviv Military Hospital, where I continued treatment and rehabilitation.

When the time came for prosthetics, I reached out to the ORTO KROK center, where they gave me the ability to walk again.

The process of prosthetics fascinated me so much that not only did I quickly learn to walk on a prosthesis with a mechanical knee, but I also started working at a prosthetics company, helping other guys with lower limb amputations.

Now I am a certified prosthetics technician, making lower limb prostheses. Every day, I work with the wounded and have already made prostheses for dozens of patients. This is physically demanding work. I am constantly on my feet—working 6-8 hours without sitting down. I often travel on business trips, consulting and fitting prosthetics for comrades from different parts of Ukraine.

I have become proficient with the prosthesis provided by the state, but after a year, with my level of activity, its functionality is no longer sufficient for me.
I have already tested a more advanced prosthesis with the Genium X3 knee joint and realized how much my abilities would expand with its installation.

It will provide me with the following benefits:

• Improved mobility: I will be able to move freely over uneven surfaces, climb and descend stairs, and even walk backward.
• Reduced fatigue: Thanks to the innovative Genium X3 technology, each step will be more natural and smooth. This will help reduce the strain on my other joints, which is crucial for long-term health.
• Expanded sports and physical activity opportunities: I will be able to engage in sports, run, and ride a bike—returning to an active life and doing what I enjoyed before the injury.

And most importantly—with the Genium X3, I will be able to work more effectively, helping other veterans with amputations. I will personally demonstrate the capabilities of modern prosthetics and teach them how to use them, proving that an active life after amputation is possible.

The cost of a thigh prosthesis with the Genium X3 knee joint exceeds 2 million UAH. Unfortunately, such a prosthesis cannot be purchased under the state program. The state can only cover 1,195,819 UAH, so I must seek help from benefactors to cover the remaining cost.

I would be grateful for any support that helps me live and work fully again.

 

The fundraising goal for the prosthetic has been reduced!

On November 5, the Order of the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine No. 464-n, dated October 11, 2024, came into effect, adjusting the maximum prices for high-function lower limb prosthetics.

Previously, the state covered prosthetic costs up to 1,195,819 UAH, but now the limit has increased to 1,719,373 UAH. This has reduced the remaining amount Vasyl needs to pay for his prosthetic to 467,288 UAH.

Thanks to your support, we’ve raised 510,951 UAH, so the fundraiser is now complete! After the prosthetic is paid for, any remaining funds will be directed to help other severely injured defenders.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed through donations and shares! You are the true force behind giving our heroes a second chance at a full life.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 467,288

 

Vasyl has already received a modern electronic leg prosthesis with a Genium microprocessor knee joint and has successfully mastered its use!

The foundation team, together with the defender, sincerely thanks everyone who contributed to the fundraising, as this prosthesis has opened new opportunities for KOT. It significantly eases the work of the prosthetic technician. Thanks to advanced technology, Vasyl can work even more efficiently, helping other wounded defenders receive high-quality prosthetics and adapt to their new lives after severe injuries.

Thank you to everyone who became part of this important cause! Your support means new opportunities for our heroes. We appreciate each and every one of you!