Soldier Taras, call sign NIMETS

My name is Taras, and my call sign is NIMETS. I enlisted on the first day of the war. On February 24, 2022, while working a shift in Boryspil, I heard the first explosions. That same day, without hesitation, I went to the military enlistment office with a friend who was a veteran of the ATO. This is how I joined the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, with which I have experienced some of the fiercest battles of the war.

My service includes defending and liberating Moschun and Horenka, as well as battles near Bakhmut and Vuhledar. I received my first minor injury early in the Bakhmut operation. We were advancing when we fell into an ambush and were hit by artillery. Only eight of us remained. I managed to get out on my own and, along the way, saved one of our wounded comrades.

The injury was minor, so after treatment, I returned to the front line, spending half a year in the trenches.

The second injury, which became a turning point in my life, happened near Vuhledar. It was close-quarters combat, nearly at pistol range. An enemy vehicle flanked us, deploying a group of infantry into our rear. Within seconds, we were face-to-face with the enemy assault group. Pistol range. Thankfully, we came out on top. Those two days of fighting… were the hardest. I didn’t pray; my mind was ringing, and I just did what needed to be done. With heavy losses and no medics left, I ended up dressing the wounded myself.

On the second day of fighting, I was wounded in the knee. I knew there were no more enemy reinforcements, so I bandaged my wound and reported my condition. But then a feeling of helplessness set in. Realizing I could no longer control the situation was terrifying… especially when the enemy used smoke again. The six-hour wait for evacuation tested not just my body but also my soul.

For the first time in my life, I felt how terrifying it is to lose control over a situation.

Despite the severe injury, I returned to the front after treatment. I continued to serve, not realizing that my knee joint was nearly destroyed. I carried out combat and service tasks until my knee completely lost functionality.

Currently, my joint needs to be replaced. I cannot move without pain and can no longer be useful either as a soldier or as a father to my two daughters, who live in Kyiv near a strategic facility. How can I stay at home while they commute daily under the threat of shelling? I dream of being healthy so I can continue protecting their future.

Endoprosthetics is my chance to return to an active life. That is why I am reaching out for help from charitable donors.

 

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The fundraising for Taras’s knee joint endoprosthesis is closed!

The implant has been paid for, the surgery was successful, and today the defender is already on the path to full recovery.

Thanks to the joint replacement, he can walk without pain again. Rehabilitation is progressing according to plan: Taras is already moving without crutches and doing everything possible to return to an active life as soon as possible. He dreams of being useful again and feeling the rhythm of the fight alongside his comrades.

Heartfelt gratitude to everyone who donated, shared information, and offered kind words. It is thanks to you that this Ukrainian warrior has been given a chance at a full life!

We continue to fight and support those who defend our country. If someone around you needs help – don’t stand aside!
 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 99,500