Soldier Dmytro Rubets, call sign ESTONIAN

My name is Dmytro Rubets, and I am a voluntarily mobilized serviceman. I joined the Armed Forces on February 25, 2022. I currently serve in the 411th Separate UAV Battalion as an unmanned aerial vehicle systems operator. My call sign is "ESTONIAN." Before the invasion, I worked in Estonia for a long time, and my comrades say my personality is similar, hence the call sign.

I never dreamed of becoming a soldier; I mostly worked on large industrial sites as a CNC machine operator, but the full-scale invasion by the enemy led me to make the only right decision at the time.

On April 6, 2024, in the Avdiivka direction (near the village of Ocheretyne), I sustained a severe mine-explosion injury on the left side of my body (shrapnel wounds to my nose, arm, leg, and groin). Thanks to the precise and coordinated actions of my comrades, I was quickly transported to a stabilization point.

The doctors managed to stabilize my condition after clinical death, but they had to amputate my left arm. Later, 3-4 days afterward, my left leg was also amputated at a hospital in the capital due to developing sepsis. I spent several weeks in intensive care, battling sepsis and spinal meningitis.

I never thought I would be injured, let alone so severely. But I didn't dwell on death. I just did what I could, risking my life but staying calm. After the injury, I remained conscious until I arrived at the stabilization point. I found out I had lost my left arm at the Novomoskovsk hospital. The news about the leg amputation reached me later in intensive care at the hospital in the capital. I understood that the situation was serious, but thanks to the care of the doctors and my loved ones, I quickly regained my senses, and that marked the beginning of my rehabilitation journey.

Both amputations are high, which complicates prosthetics. Unfortunately, the funds provided by the state for a prosthesis after disarticulation at the hip joint are insufficient, so I am compelled to seek help from charitable organizations.

Today, my beloved wife, family, friends, and comrades, with whom I am in constant contact, are by my side.

After receiving prosthetics, I plan to continue my service. Before the injury, I serviced aerial vehicles, have extensive experience in piloting, record-keeping, and equipment storage. I really want to get back behind the controls. I also have another dream: to dance with my wife to our favorite song.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 167,982.20

 

Dmytro has received a functional prosthetic for his lower limb following a hip disarticulation. This defender is already taking his first confident steps with the prosthetic! The strength of spirit and determination of ESTONETS to return to an active life inspire everyone who knows his story.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this fundraising effort — every donation, repost, and kind word brought this moment closer. Special thanks to the professionals at the "Stetsenko Center" for their expertise. 

Dmytro is already making plans for the future and continues to fight for a fulfilling life. We stand with him every step of the way!