Soldier Roman Ustiuhov, callsign VESELYI

When the full-scale invasion began in 2022, I was at home in Volyn, on leave. But as soon as I heard the first news, I didn’t hesitate — I went straight to the military enlistment office. After two months of training, by the end of April I was already at the positions near Myrnohrad.

I joined the service because I believed it was the right thing to do. Someone had to stand between the enemy and our home.

Over time, I got my callsign, Veselyi — “Cheerful.” My comrades said I never lost my sense of humor, even when things were hard. We supported each other — because at war, you can’t survive without that.

But one winter day, everything changed. During a guard shift, the enemy spotted us with a drone. The drop landed right in the trench entrance. My comrade and I were both wounded. I remember only the explosion, the pain, and how the guys dragged us to safety. Then came evacuation, the hospital in Myrnohrad, and later treatment in the Khmelnytskyi region. It was tough, but I recovered as much as I could, went through rehabilitation, worked on my right arm, received psychological support — and returned to my unit. Because I wanted to be with my brothers again.

But after the injury, my back started to hurt more and more. Over time, the pain became unbearable. My legs weakened, and I developed problems with pelvic organs. These last few months have been a constant struggle with a body that no longer feels like my own.

In September, I turned to the Romodanov Institute of Neurosurgery. After examinations, doctors found that I had suffered an ischemic spinal cord stroke at the T5 vertebra level. Because of this, I am losing sensitivity and strength in my legs. The only way to improve my condition and reduce the pain is to implant a neuromodulator in the lumbar region. This device can help partially restore lower limb function and control of the pelvic organs.

But its cost is completely unaffordable for me. That’s why I have to ask for help. I want to live without pain. I want to walk confidently again, to serve, to help my comrades — not to fight my own body every day. Despite everything, I am still on duty. Because my heart won’t let me leave my brothers behind.

But to keep going, I need this neuromodulator.

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The fundraiser for Roman Ustiugov is CLOSED!

Thank you to everyone who contributed — with donations, shares, and kind words. You made a real miracle happen. The need has been fully covered, the neuromodulator has been purchased and implanted. The surgery was successful — now Roman faces recovery and the path toward a life without pain.

Special heartfelt thanks to the medical team who promptly performed the procedure and supported our defender every step of the way.

This fundraiser is proof that together we can do anything. Roman, as always, keeps going with a smile — and most importantly, he believes in full recovery.

We are here. We are together.
 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 30,000