Soldier Mykola Shypilov, callsign SIEDOY

I volunteered in the first days of the full-scale invasion. I didn’t think twice, didn’t hesitate — I simply got ready and joined the 127th Territorial Defense Brigade to protect my home, my family, my mother. We defended the skies over Kharkiv, tracked ballistic missile launches, and passed on the data to save lives.

Until March 2023, I took part in the defense of Kharkiv region and joined the counteroffensive when we liberated our land. Later, we were sent to the Donetsk direction, near Bakhmut. There, serving as a KPVT “Motolyha” machine gunner, we recaptured Orikhovo-Vasylivka and completely destroyed a unit of the “Veteran” PMC. But the war took my brother-in-arms Vokha — we hit a mine. The blast wave threw me out of the vehicle, which saved my life, but for the first time I felt death breathing in my face. I tried to save my friend, but there was no chance. The next day, because of the concussion, I couldn’t even stand on my feet.

I recovered and returned to duty. On one of the missions, I captured an enemy soldier. A sniper tried to cover him — the bullet hit the prisoner in the head and grazed my eye. I spent a year and a half in treatment, lost my sight, but stayed in service.

For my service, I was awarded the Order “For Courage” III class. Now I have Group 2 disability, but I continue to serve in my home unit, now in the patronage service, working on cases of missing comrades.

But besides the vision loss, the war left me with another heavy burden — due to injuries and excessive strain, both of my hip joints are destroyed. Each wound contributed to this. My mobility is limited, and every step comes with pain. Doctors say the only solution is total hip replacement on both sides. I need high-quality implants that can withstand future loads and last for decades. The surgery will be performed free of charge, but the implants must be purchased at my own expense.

The amount is impossible for me to cover. But I want to undergo this surgery as soon as possible, complete rehabilitation, and return to full service — to continue helping my brothers-in-arms and fulfilling my mission. I can’t manage this alone, so I am forced to ask for help.

I believe I will walk without pain again, respond to every call of duty, and be useful to my country. Because as long as we live — the fight goes on. And I know that ahead of us is victory, and after it — a life worth fighting for, starting today.
 

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The fundraiser for hip joint endoprosthetics for our defender Mykola has been successfully completed!
The necessary implants have been purchased, and the surgery has been performed. Ahead lies recovery and rehabilitation to give Mykola the ability to move without pain and continue living a full life.

We are sincerely grateful to everyone who contributed to this fundraiser — with donations, shares, and words of support. It is thanks to you that this important step for the health and future of our warrior became possible.

Special thanks to:

• the partners and friends of the “Kharkiv With You” foundation, who covered the cost of one of the necessary implants;
• Bernd and Gabi Schulzendorf from Velbert, Germany, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on August 16 and made an incredibly moving gesture — donating to the foundation all the money they received as gifts. Part of this generous contribution was directed toward covering Mykola’s need.

We are proud that, together with you, we can support our heroes on their difficult path. Ahead lies rehabilitation, and we believe that Mykola will surely recover and once again be able to walk without pain.

Thank you for your trust.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 115,000