Soldier Oleksandr Sevriuhin, call sign KHIMIK

Before the full-scale war, I worked as a long-haul truck driver. February 24 found me in Cherkasy — that’s where I had just unloaded. The road home to Lviv took a day and a half: there was no fuel, traffic jams everywhere, tension in the air. But I was in a hurry, because I understood I had to return and take my place in the ranks.

I am a former serviceman; I left the military back in 2004. So as soon as I got home, I immediately went to the enlistment office. There were huge lines. I went to the Territorial Defense — the same situation. So I didn’t wait: I got in touch with volunteers and began delivering humanitarian aid to Kyiv.

In April 2022, I was already in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I served in the 16th Separate Army Aviation Brigade as a driver in the Donetsk region.

On July 17, 2022, we came under enemy artillery fire with cluster munitions. That was the day that changed everything. We were lucky that a week earlier we had received a jeep — it was in that vehicle that our brothers-in-arms were able to evacuate us.

I sustained severe injuries — traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. In the first days, the doctors gave no prognosis: whether I would survive, whether I would be able to walk. The first surgeries were performed in Dnipro, at Mechnikov Hospital. Then there were more operations in Lviv. For three months, I could not move my legs at all. But I made a decision for myself — not to give up.

After four months of treatment, I was discharged from service due to my serious condition. I thought that a full state rehabilitation program would follow. But its capabilities are not enough for injuries like mine.

I had to find my own way.

Thanks to a fellow soldier, I first got to the “Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center” of NCSIU. It was there that they began helping me get back on my feet. I have already completed more than one course and I see the results. Now I move with crutches. This is already a big victory for me. But I want more I want to walk confidently, regain control over my body, and live a full life.

To keep moving forward, I need another course of specialized rehabilitation at this center. But its cost is beyond what my family can afford. That is why I am forced to ask for help again.

Despite everything, I try to stay strong and not fall out of life. I continue doing what I love — working with cars. Now, due to my health condition, I have had to change the format: I provide consultations online. But I have not lost hope of returning to in-person work — to the life that felt real to me.

And for that, I need to recover.

From the very first days, my wife has been by my side — she came to Dnipro and has been with me all this time. My son and my brothers-in-arms support me. Thanks to them, I did not give up then, and I am not giving up now.

Thank you to everyone for your support.

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The fundraiser for the rehabilitation course of seriously wounded defender Oleksandr Sevriuhin has been successfully closed!

The need has been covered, and Oleksandr has begun the next important stage of his recovery.

We sincerely thank everyone who joined this fundraiser. Those who supported with a donation, shared the information, left words of support, or simply did not remain indifferent. Every contribution became part of a shared cause and helped bring this day closer.

We would like to express special gratitude to our friends and partners from Britain — UAID, who helped us close this fundraiser promptly.

Today, the support of international partners is of extraordinary importance for Ukrainian defenders who are going through the difficult path of treatment and rehabilitation after severe injuries. When people thousands of kilometers away from Ukraine support our warriors, this is not only financial assistance. It is a sign of solidarity, humanity, and faith in those who stood up to defend their country.

For Oleksandr, this support means the opportunity to undergo the necessary rehabilitation course right now, without losing precious time on the path to recovery. And for all of us it is a reminder that goodness has no borders, and that true support is capable of changing lives.

Ahead of Oleksandr lies much work, new challenges, and new victories. After the rehabilitation course is completed, we will definitely share the results and tell about his achievements.

We thank everyone who was by our side at this stage. Together we help our defenders not only restore their health, but also regain faith in the future.

We wish Oleksandr strength, patience, and confident progress forward. And to all of you our sincere gratitude for your kind hearts.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 90,000