Soldier Kostiantyn Kramarenko, callsign KRAMAR

I am Kostiantyn Mykolaiovych Kramarenko, callsign KRAMAR. Senior Lieutenant, Kharkiv native, officer, volunteer.

In 2006, I graduated from the military university in Kharkiv. In 2007, I left the Armed Forces of Ukraine. But in March 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I returned to duty as a volunteer. I joined the 247th Battalion of the 127th Separate Brigade. Kharkiv, Donetsk region, Sumy region, Zaporizhzhia — we’ve been through a lot. I never sought out safe positions, because I knew who I was defending and why.

 

On April 10, 2023, in Bakhmut, I sustained a through gunshot wound to my right knee. An enemy sniper hit me with a 7.62 mm rifle. The bullet passed through the joint, causing severe destruction. After my condition was stabilized, I did everything I could to return to my brothers-in-arms. But the injury left a mark that couldn't be ignored.

In July 2023, I underwent surgery in the city of Sumy. At that time, our unit was stationed in the Sumy region for rotation, and it was there I was able to consult with doctors. They performed surgery trying to stop the progressive damage to the joint, reduce the pain, and preserve functionality. The operation brought temporary relief but didn’t solve the problem.

In the fall of 2023, our unit was redeployed to the Zaporizhzhia direction. That’s when my knee condition began deteriorating rapidly and painfully. The pain intensified, the joint lost stability, and I had to walk with a cane. And while the physical hardship was difficult, the emotional blow of realizing that my leg could no longer serve me as before was even harder.

Today, we are defending Kharkiv region. Here, I was given the opportunity to undergo a full medical examination at a military hospital. The doctors were clear: the joint is so severely damaged that the only solution is total endoprosthesis — a full knee replacement.

The surgery will take place in Kharkiv free of charge. But I must purchase a high-quality implant on my own. It needs to be a reliable endoprosthesis, one that can withstand serious physical stress and allow me to walk normally and live without pain for decades. The cost of such an implant is far beyond my means, which is why I must ask for help.

My goal is to undergo surgery, complete rehabilitation, and return to duty — where I can be most useful. Where I am needed.

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Thanks to the support of all caring people, as well as our partners from the charity organization Ukraine Charity, we were able to raise the full amount needed and pay for the knee joint implant. The surgery was successfully performed, and Kostiantyn is already in recovery.

Ahead lies the most important stage: rehabilitation. This is a time of long-term recovery, daily work, and steady steps toward a full life. We believe that Kostiantyn’s strength of spirit and the support of those around him will help him complete this journey and return to an active life without pain.

Our deepest gratitude to everyone who donated, shared the story, or offered words and acts of support. You are part of this result.

Once again, we have proven: even the greatest challenges can be overcome when we stand united. We believe in KRAMAR’s full recovery and will continue fighting for the active lives of other defenders!

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 95,000