Soldier Oleksii Stetsenko, call sign is MALYI

My name is Stetsenko Oleksii Valentynovych, my call sign is MALYI. I am 22 years old. I am a machine gunner of the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade “Kholodnyi Yar.”

On May 15, 2025, I signed a contract and stood up to defend Ukraine. My motivation was my loved ones, my family, and my country. I wanted to protect those I love. And today I can say honestly: I do not regret anything, that I walked this path. I served in Donetsk Oblast. The first combat missions, the first shellings, the first losses — all of this became part of my life. But what I remember most is the brotherhood of people who are ready to give their own lives standing by your side.

I received my first wound while carrying out a combat mission near Selydove. An enemy FPV drone struck our vehicle. I sustained shrapnel wounds to my arm and leg. At that point I applied tourniquets to myself and walked out to my people on my own feet. Some of the shrapnel remained in my body. After treatment and passing the Military Medical Commission, I returned to the ranks. My fellow soldiers remained there, at the front, and I could not stand aside.

On February 8, 2026, while carrying out a reconnaissance mission near Stepanivka in Kramatorsk district, our group was conducting a clearing operation of a trench line. There were two Russian soldiers in a bunker, whom we eliminated. During the withdrawal from the position, I was wounded. I did not cry out. I simply fell, applied a tourniquet to myself, grabbed the machine gun, and continued to fire at the enemy to cover my fellow soldiers.

A few dozen meters later, a 120-millimeter mortar shell exploded nearby. The fragments severely damaged the left side of my torso and my leg. I continued to move until my strength left me.

My fellow soldiers — DOBRYI, SMERT, MALIK, and SUBOTA did not abandon me. They saved me under constant shelling. Due to the difficult situation, evacuation was impossible.

For six days I remained at the positions.

For six days the guys delivered medicine, food, and everything necessary to me. Then they transported me several kilometers on an abandoned cart under enemy fire. It is thanks to them that I am alive today.

The doctors of Kramatorsk fought for my leg. An external fixation device was installed on me. Then came Kyiv, Lviv, Chernivtsi, numerous surgeries, complications, and severe bleeding during one of the surgical procedures. I spent ten weeks in traction. I could not get up from the bed. Then came the wheelchair, crutches, and the first steps, which came with incredible difficulty.

Today I continue to learn to walk. Every day I fight with pain, weakness, and the consequences of severe limb injuries. But I did not give up then and I am not going to give up now.

My greatest dream is to get back on my feet and return to my guys.

For this I need specialized rehabilitation at the “Markiv Rehab” medical center. It is there that I have a chance to restore the functions of the damaged limbs, return to a full life, and continue my path.

I am sincerely grateful to everyone who will support me on this journey.

 

COLLECTING: UAH 35,700