Soldier Maksym, call sign STAZHER

My name is Maksym. I have a call sign Stazher (meaning TRAINEE).

In 2015, I served in the Zbruch volunteer battalion of the 44th Brigade. At that time, I completed my training in "Desna". I was trained as a machine gunner. In this capacity I served for the whole term. In 2016, I was discharged.

On 24 February 2022, I arrived at the military registration and enlistment office in the morning. I was immediately recruited as a machine gunner in a sniper platoon of a reconnaissance squad, which I was very happy about. I have always dreamt of doing something where I could really make a difference and see the results with my own eyes. 

During one of my combat missions near Popasna, Donetsk region, I was wounded.

The first shot from a tank blew off my arm, and the second one "collapsed" my right lung. I did not need to have an amputation performed because my arm flew off immediately. I was lucky that they didn't try to save any part of it, they just stitched me up and that was it. The lung was punctured, water pumped out - and I was fine.

The guys who were in hospitals alongside me helped me cope with my emotions. I underwent nine operations. Almost everywhere I was the only one who could walk on my own in the whole hospital room. I gained new experience - learnt how to give injections and connect a VAC. All of it was interesting, but I didn't have enough time for too many trivial matters.

In addition, I constantly must figure out how to do this or that action with one hand so that I would not have to call anyone. For example, I have never asked anyone to help me cut my nails. I live alone, so I have to learn to be independent. When I manage to do something new, I get overwhelmed with positive emotions. 

I learnt to sharpen knives with one hand, so I always have something to do. There is no time for sulking. If one wants to help oneself, one should do something for someone else!

I have one plan for the future. To win and help rebuild Ukraine!

The soldier needs a combined prosthetic arm with an enhanced shoulder unit with myoelectric control.