Soldier Ihor, call sign WHITE

My name is Ihor, callsign WHITE. I was mobilized for military service on March 6, 2022. I served as a communications operator with the 68th Separate Jager Brigade, and our job was to maintain uninterrupted communication between units on the front line. This is crucial work, even though some might see communications as secondary in a brigade. But believe me, without communication, the front line would fall into chaos, friendly fire incidents could happen, and no unit could operate properly. We may not be “fighting” with radios, but many lives depend on us.

September 5, 2022, became a day we’ll never forget, but not in a way we’d wish. It was a nightmare. We were in the village of Bohoyavlenka near Vuhledar, and at 1:30 AM, two S-300 missiles hit the basement where our communications unit was located. The upper concrete slabs just came crashing down on us. One of them fell on my legs. It was probably the worst moment of my life. I was the last one pulled out from under the rubble at 7:20 AM. Out of 19 of us, only 6 survived, and I was one of them. Thirteen of our friends died that day.

When the missiles struck, my first reaction was surprise: why was I seeing the sky when I was in a basement? That lasted for just a second, and then the slab fell on my legs. The pain was overwhelming. I was screaming, but it seemed like I was the only one, as if the others weren’t. And I realized many of them were already gone. I was under the rubble for 6 hours, but only conscious for 40 minutes.

My comrades saved me. They called for a crane to lift the slabs and prevent further collapses. One of them, Baron, stayed with me the entire time, administering pain relief and checking my condition. Samovar managed the slab-lifting operation, and thanks to his efforts, we weren’t buried entirely. It was a moment when I truly felt the line between life and death.

What did I feel at that moment? Probably the same thing anyone facing death feels. You stop thinking about material things—home, money, work. All I wanted was to see my loved ones again. I was in a panic, suffocating from the pain, and understood that if they didn’t pull me out, it would be the end. I even thought that if they managed to lift the slabs, my legs might have to be amputated. Fortunately, one leg was unharmed.

After this, I went through a long process of treatment, prosthetics, and rehabilitation. It was a hard and exhausting journey, but I held on for my family. Now, however, I’m facing new challenges: I need an additional liner for my prosthesis, without which it can’t be used. Unfortunately, the funds provided by the state program are not enough to cover all expenses. According to Ministry of Social Policy Order No. 1208 from August 6, 2019, the maximum price for a silicone composition liner with fabric covering for military personnel is 31,566 UAH. I need an additional 5,761.02 UAH to purchase the liner.

As for my future plans, I had achieved most of my dreams by the time I turned 30. I had everything I needed, but now my loved ones are my top priority. I’m ready to give everything I have to ensure they’re safe. I plan to get married this year and dream that my future wife will give me a son.

War makes long-term plans difficult, but I want to build a family and be a role model for others. To be a true man and father, as they say, to “Lead by example” for others—that’s what matters to me now.

 

TRANSFERRED: UAH 5,761.02

Thank you all! Thanks to your donations, Ihor has already received a liner and is actively using a prosthesis.

 

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Today, Ihor turned to the Foundation for help once again.

After a severe injury, multiple surgeries, and a long rehabilitation, he hasn’t given up and continues to move forward. Today, he needs a new liner for his prosthesis — without it, using the prosthesis is impossible.

The state partially covers the cost, but the amount is not enough — an additional payment is required.

The fundraiser is officially closed.

Thanks to your support, we managed to raise the necessary amount. We sincerely thank everyone who contributed with donations, shares, or kind words.

Your help is more than just money. It’s trust, support, and a chance for a wounded defender to live fully. Thank you for being there.

 

TRANSFERRED: UAH 8,945.12

 

TOTAL TRANSFERRED: UAH 14,706.14