Soldier Denys Dosuzhyi, call sign AIAKS

I am the commander of an anti-tank squad of an anti-tank platoon of a fire support company. I was born in Kherson region and was brought up in an orphanage from the age of 6. 

In 2016, I went to defend Ukraine from the russian aggression - I was 24 at the time. I understood that it was my duty to defend our independence, so I was doing it responsibly for eight years. I took part in the battles in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, in the Anti-Terrorist Operation and the Joint Forces Operation. Our unit held the defence of Kharkiv and took part in the Kharkiv offensive.

On the 1st February 2023, during an assault in the Luhansk region, I was injured in the spine and got an injury to the spinal cord.

I have been fighting for my health for 10 months. All this time, I have been suffering from terrible neuropathic pain in my lower limbs - a consequence of a cauda equina (spinal nerves bundle) contusion. The pain is piercing, sometimes it feels as if the muscles are being torn out, as if the feet are being cut. Because of the pain, I cannot sit for long periods of time, I cannot go for a walk or fully master life in a wheelchair (the wheelchair is the only means of transport, because my legs do not work). I can't sleep - the constant pain does not allow me to do so.

Every day and night, every movement I make is accompanied by excruciating pain. 

It seems that my life is absolutely hopeless - 10 months of steady struggle, and I am not getting any better.

Doctors say that the only salvation for me is surgical neuromodulation.

The specialists at the Kyiv Institute of Neurosurgery agreed to perform this operation. The operation will be free of charge, but I need to purchase a device that will be implanted in my body - it costs UAH 740,000. Unfortunately, I can't raise this amount on my own, so I have to ask everyone who cares to help. 

I have completed the first stage of rehabilitation after my injury. Due to pain, I had to suspend it. Specialists give good prognoses for my recovery, but first of all, I need to reduce the pain syndrome and then I can return to classes.

Neuromodulation is the only hope for recovery and for a pain-free life.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 740,000

 

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A new stage of the fight — rehabilitation.

After surgery, Denys once again reached out to the foundation. The next step is rehabilitation at the Agape Center.

This facility specializes in restoring servicemen after severe injuries. An individual recovery plan with continuous professional supervision has already been developed for Denys.

The goal of rehabilitation is to reduce spasticity, strengthen muscles, improve balance, and adapt to life in a wheelchair.

Specialists give real chances for partial recovery of mobility and a better quality of life.

“I’m not giving up. I’m doing everything I can to be strong again — I want to live without pain,” says Denys.

Let’s help Denys return to an active life! The defender needs our support to pay for his rehabilitation course. For his family, this amount is unaffordable.

Every contribution is a real step toward easing pain, restoring movement, and beginning a new life.

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With deep sorrow, we inform you that Denys Dosuzhyi (June 4, 1991 – November 3, 2025), commander of an anti-tank unit, volunteer since 2016, a devoted warrior and a Man with a capital “M,” has passed away.

Denys fought in the Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kharkiv regions. He destroyed enemy equipment, saved his comrades, and was always where it was hardest. For his courage and self-sacrifice, he was awarded the Order “For Courage” (III class), the Medal “For Wounds,” and the badge “For Merits to the City of Stryi.”

After being severely wounded in 2023, Denys fought for his life for more than a year and a half, bravely enduring constant pain and undergoing complex treatment. Despite everything, he never gave up — he dreamed of returning to service and lived with hope for recovery.

Sadly, the Hero’s heart stopped on November 3, 2025.

The fundraiser we previously opened for Denys’s rehabilitation is now closed. In accordance with the decision of his family and the foundation, all collected funds will be directed to help other severely wounded defenders who are now fighting for their lives and recovery.

We express our deepest condolences to Denys’s wife and his comrades-in-arms. He leaves behind an example of resilience, bravery, and immense love for Ukraine.

Eternal memory to the Hero.