Soldier Oleksii Nazarov, call sign PSYHOLOG

My name is Oleksii Nazarov, call sign PSYHOLOG. I am a Belarusian who decided to be useful where the fate of freedom itself is being decided. In 2014 knowing almost nothing about Ukraine I came from Minsk to the “Azov” volunteer regiment. I was 20 at the time; I was searching for meaning and I found it in the fight for the independence of a country that dared stand up against an empire.

I went through combat under Shyrokyne; then I spent several years living a civilian life, but remained among my brothers‑in‑arms. In 2022 when Russia again tried to destroy Ukraine I returned to the ranks, this time in the veterans’ unit of “Azov,” which became the foundation of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade.

On March 3, 2022, near Kyiv in the settlement of Vorzel our platoon of “Azov” veterans, together with a unit of the 80th Brigade, engaged in combat with a Russian column advancing forward. In close combat we destroyed a significant number of enemy forces, disabled and set ablaze several enemy vehicles. Later, finding ourselves encircled, we established a circular defense perimeter.

During the battle I sustained a severe injury amputation of my left lower limb at mid‑thigh level. I administered first aid to myself and applied a tourniquet. There was a lot of blood; weakness was overwhelming, but I held on. Thanks to the smoke screen from disabled enemy equipment, an evacuation of the severely wounded was organized. I somehow crawled into a civilian car along with several comrades. Those who remained had to endure many more hours of combat while surrounded but they managed to withdraw to friendly territory late at night.

I was taken to a hospital where the amputation was completed surgically. But instead of pain I felt one thing: I was still alive and that meant I could continue the fight.

Two months after the injury, I returned to service this time as a combat training instructor. The prosthesis allowed me to once again stand in the ranks, to train others, to share knowledge accumulated over the years of war. Everything that happened with me — the injury, the loss of a leg, the rehabilitation — left me with no negativity. It was simply a change in conditions, under which I continue my journey.

However, any prosthesis is not a lifetime solution. The knee module endures serious loads and over time requires replacement. This isn’t a household device, it is part of my body, without which I cannot fully live and serve.

According to the assessment of the prosthetics center “OrtoTech-Service,” I need a new prosthesis with an electronic knee unit Rheo XC, a Triton foot with energy-storing heel and forefoot, and a silicone-composite liner. It provides maximum functionality, reduces energy expenditure, allows me to move freely again, to teach and act efficiently. The full cost is UAH 1,076,384.84, but the state does not cover the entire amount. The necessary co‑payment is UAH 105,005.84. That is why I am forced to request help.

My future plans are not about returning to civilian life. I want to contribute to forming a high-quality standard of preparation for resistance across all layers of the population. Because this war is existential. It isn’t about territory, it is about existence itself. We have no alternative but to become stronger. Otherwise they will destroy us. If we withstand, we will preserve the Ukrainian nation, our values, and our right to determine our own future.
 

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The fundraiser to cover the co‑payment for the state prosthetics program for an electronic knee unit for Oleksii Nazarov has been successfully completed.

The need has now been fully funded — very soon Oleksii will receive his new knee module, which will allow him to live actively, serve, educate, and remain in the ranks.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the team of the Charitable Foundation “Kharkiv Is With You,” who covered the entire amount and closed the fundraiser fully. Thanks to you, the most valuable thing was preserved — time — so that Oleksii can receive the prosthesis as quickly as possible and return to fulfilling his military duties.

Thank you to everyone who stood by him, supported him, and believed.

Together we can do anything.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 105,005