Soldier Ihor Babenko, callsign INGVARR

When russia invaded my country, I didn’t think I simply stood up and went. On the very first day, I joined the barricades in Sumy. At that time, there was no way to enlist in the territorial defense — there weren’t enough spots for everyone willing. But I couldn’t stay aside. I joined a volunteer unit. A month later, I started looking for a way into the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

It turned out to be harder than I thought. I had no prior military service, so I wasn’t accepted right away. But I kept pushing, and in June 2022, I finally joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

After training, I was assigned to the 208th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade. At first, I guarded military facilities. But soon I felt I had to do more. When the opportunity arose, I volunteered to join the counterintelligence technical unit.

Spring 2023. We were protecting our air defense systems on the Kherson front from enemy reconnaissance drones. We worked almost without rest because every drone flight could cost lives. For my service, I received the Golden Cross — personally from General Zaluzhnyi. Later, we were redeployed to the left bank of the Dnipro River, same mission, even closer to the front line.

After two and a half years of service, I received veteran status and the War Veteran Medal. And then — the pain began. First in my lower back. Sharp, exhausting pain. Doctors found a tumor in the lumbar spine. I was preparing for one diagnosis, but further examinations revealed something worse — stage IV aseptic necrosis of the left pelvic bone. The joint was completely destroyed. My left leg simply stopped working.

Since September 2025, I have been officially unfit for military service. Thirty-nine months of service, time at the front, constant threat to my life — and in the end, I was just written off. No treatment. No recovery plan. No help.

But I’m not giving up. I’m fighting. My current goal is a hip replacement surgery. Because I want to live a full life. I want to stand on my feet again. I want to walk again. For that, I need surgery. The cost is high, and I can’t afford it on my own, so I have to ask for help.

This is my only chance to return to a life without pain.

Thank you to everyone who stands by me.

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The fundraiser for endoprosthetics for Ihor Babenko has been closed. The implant has already been purchased and the surgery has been performed. Ihor is now undergoing rehabilitation and learning to trust his body again. A long recovery process lies ahead, but most importantly: the journey has confidently begun.

We thank everyone who contributed with donations, reposts, and support. Your kind words and faith always matter deeply. Special gratitude to the medical team and rehabilitation specialists for their compassion, professionalism, and humane care.

Ihor is recovering. We are with him.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 95,000