Soldier Vadym Romaniuk, call sign DESANT
In 2014, I was mobilised to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, took part in the Anti-Terrorist Operation in Luhansk and Donetsk regions. I served under contract. From the first day of the full-scale invasion, I took up arms again and defended my homeland against the russian aggression as part of the 123rd separate territorial defence brigade. Later, I was transferred to the 79th Air Assault Brigade. I fought in the Donetsk Luhansk and Sumy sectors. I took part in the liberation of Kherson. On 11 March, 2024, while performing a combat mission, I sustained a closed multi-fragment crush fracture of both bones of the right tibia. To save my leg, I need a surgery, and surgeons will have to put the bone fragments back together using special metal structures. The surgery is free of charge, but two sets of metal structures for osteosynthesis for the tibia and fibula need to be purchased. This is why I am appealing to benefactors for help.
TRANSFERRED: UAH 17,200
Soldier history
Soldier Oleksandr, call sign DID (meaning OLD MAN)
I am an anti-aircraft gunner, I have been participating in the Anti-Terrorist Operation since 2019. I met a full-scale invasion on the border with belarus. We fought back on the Gostomel highway, then withstood the defence of Chernihiv region and were transferred to strengthen to the Donetsk region. On 30.04.2022, during a combat mission to prepare combat positions near the village of Komar, Volnovakha district, Donetsk region, I received a gunshot multiple shrapnel wound. I sustained injuries to my head, right eye, upper and lower extremities, gunshot breaks of both bones of my right shin, traumatic amputation of fingers of my right hand. My condition was extremely serious…
For more advanced treatment, I was evacuated to the Trondheim Clinic in Norway.
I had 19 operations and 3 amputations.
Now I returned home to Ukraine, to my native Kharkiv. I urgently need a prosthetic right upper limb and further rehabilitation. Unfortunately, the funds allocated by the state are not enough to buy the prosthesis with a myoelectric hand that I need. Therefore, I am forced to turn to a charity for help.
COLLECTING: UAH 274,242.42
Soldier history
Soldier Nazar Viktorovskyi, call sign CHUVYS
From the very first days of the full-scale invasion, I did not hesitate to come to the defence of Ukraine as a member of the 24th separate mechanised brigade named after King Danylo Halytskyi. I had an overwhelming desire to protect my family and my homeland. While performing a combat mission in Donetsk region in the town of Chasiv Iar, near Bakhmut, I was in a 6-storey building when three rockets hit, causing the building to collapse. I was on the second floor and was under the rubble. At first I was unconscious, I came to my senses a few hours later. I immediately felt a strong pain in my legs, tried to pull them up but could not, they were pinned by the debris of the building…
19 hours of pain, fear, hope and praying.
I spent 19 hours under the rubble in complete darkness and now I saw the first rays of the sun, I was finally found. When the doctor examined me, he made a rather disappointing conclusion, and I still remember his words: "Your legs will have to be amputated"! At that moment, I did not fully understand the situation, I wanted to live against all odds.
I underwent 7 surgeries, re-amputation of my right leg and many injections, which I was always afraid of)))
During the time spent in hospitals, my muscles weakened and I needed to tone them up. I trained hard to get fit as soon as possible and be able to use prostheses. Now I am learning to walk on prostheses, which is not easy, every step is not easy. But I believe that with the help of rehabilitation therapists and doctors, I can do everything. Currently, I need to continue my rehabilitation at the Halychyna Comprehensive Rehabilitation Centre, but the funds allocated by the state are not enough, so I have to turn to charity for help.
COLLECTING: UAH 54,000
Soldier history
Soldier Iurii, call sign PYSAR
Soldier Iurii, call sign PYSAR
On 24 June 2022, I was mobilised into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. At first, as part of the 42nd separate rifle battalion of the Cherkasy Sich Riflemen, and then in the 110th Separate Mechanised Brigade named after Khorunzhii (Ensign)-General Marko Bezruchko, I performed combat missions in the Donetsk sector. On the 13th of October, 2023, I was defending our positions together with my comrades-in-arms. For 2 days there was a dense artillery shelling by the russians. On the night of the third day, I got wounded. Shrapnel pierced my spinal cord, lung and broke a rib. At the Mechnikov Hospital in Dnipro, I underwent surgery and had the shrapnel removed. Then my rehabilitation began. First, there was Ivano-Frankivsk, where I sat in a wheelchair for the first time, then a rehabilitation centre in Irpin.
Currently, I need rehabilitation at the Zakhidnyi Rehabilitation and Sports Centre of the National Committee for Sports for the Disabled People of Ukraine, because now I need to learn to be completely independent, given my injury. My goal is to learn the technique of driving a wheelchair, overcoming various barriers, climbing stairs, moving from the floor to a wheelchair and much more. I also need to increase the strength of the muscles in my arms, because they are my main moving force now.
COLLECTING: UAH 90,000
Soldier history
Soldier Vladyslav, call sign SAMURAI
From November 2019 to May 2021, I served compulsory military service in the National Guard of Ukraine, the Honour Guard Battalion. From the first day of the full-scale invasion, I was mobilised into the Armed Forces. I took part in the defence of the Homeland as part of the 110th Separate Mechanised Brigade, a security company.
On 05 April 2023, the enemy fired on the territory of the Koksokhim plant in Avdiivka.
It was there that I received a mine-blast injury to the cervical spine, a fracture-dislocation of the 6th cervical vertebra and a spinal cord injury. After the explosion, I was covered by the rubble of the building. My comrades found me by accident... I came to senses in the hospital, I was very scared because I could not feel my body at all - I could not move my arms or legs. In April 2023 I underwent surgery and was fitted with a titanium cage implant and a monosegmental plate. After the operation, I started to feel my body a little bit. From that moment on, my long rehabilitation journey began. While I was in the Zakhidnyi Rehabilitation and Sports Centre, I achieved very good results in walking and made progress in controlling my upper limbs, as before that the finger extensors on both hands did not work at all.
My family and girlfriend motivate me a lot. When I called her and told her what happened, she said a phrase I will never forget: "I will come to you and will be with you!". Currently, I need to continue rehabilitation at the Zakhidnyi Rehabilitation and Sports Centre of the National Committee for Sports for the Disabled People of Ukraine. The centre specialises in rehabilitation of injuries like mine. However, the state does not compensate me for my rehabilitation at this centre.
COLLECTING: UAH 90,000
Soldier history
Soldier Ihor, call sign SVYRLA
I joined the Right Sector in 2019 and since then I have been in Donbas. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, I got mobilised and joined the Special Operations Forces, then transferred to the indomitable 67th Separate Mechanized Brigade. The Right Sector Ukrainian Volunteer Corps. I was a platoon commander. On 3rd June, 2023, while performing a combat mission in the Kreminna Forest in Donbas, I was seriously wounded... I received a shrapnel blind wound to my left forearm, shoulder (the shoulder joint was crushed), an explosive injury, an acubarotrauma and other injuries… Numerous complicated surgeries. A long struggle for my arm. Thanks to experienced doctors, we managed to avoid amputation! But now I badly need surgery to install an implant of the shoulder joint and bone. There is no other solution. After recovery I will return to service, continue to defend Ukraine and will not allow my children to be made slaves.
COLLECTING: UAH 65,450
Soldier history
Soldier Vladyslav, call sign RIDIK
On the 3rd of March, 2022, I was mobilised to the territorial defense forces to the 122nd Brigade. Our unit was defending Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, and after the liberation of Kherson, we took part in its defence. On the 3rd of December 2023, while changing combat positions, our group was ambushed. Two of my comrades were immediately wounded, and my friend and I were taken prisoners. When we were being led to the occupiers' positions through mined fields, my comrade and I looked at each other and thought about how to resist. We carried unloaded weapons on our backs, and my comrade managed to hide one full machine gun magazine on his person. At some point, I stepped on an anti-personnel mine and there was an explosion. Perhaps that was what saved us. This gave us a little time to get the magazine and install it into the machine gun. And the shooting started. Bullets were whizzing over our heads, but we were lucky - the orc was killed. That's how we survived.
My brother-in-arms went to get help, as I could not walk on my own because a part of my right foot was torn off. I put on a tourniquet and waited. Enemy drones were circling overhead. To avoid being killed, I didn't move and pretended to be dead. When everything was quiet, I took out my phone (which the orcs had miraculously not taken away) and contacted the commander. In the evening, they found me. I was admitted to a hospital in Kherson three days after I was wounded. There they performed an amputation with hip joint disarticulation.
I understand that after amputation, one can live an active life. So far, I have only one plan for the future - to get a functional prosthesis and learn to walk again.
COLLECTING: UAH 390,012
Soldier history
Soldier Oleksii, call sign DOC
In January 2023, I was mobilised into the Armed Forces of Ukraine, serving in the 80th Air Assault Brigade, 3rd Battalion. I underwent training in the UK, after which I was sent to serve in the Zaporizhzhia direction. On the 8th of September 2023, I was wounded while performing a combat mission. As a combat medic, I received a radio message that my comrade was wounded. I immediately went to help him. As soon as I started applying tourniquets on him, I heard an enemy copter buzzing above us. I took my assault rifle and started shooting. Unfortunately, it didn't help, he sharply targeted me. I only managed to run away a couple of steps and there was an explosion. I remained conscious, examined myself and saw that my legs were bloody, so I put on a bandage. My comrade was already "cargo 200s" (deceased). The battle continued. I was taken to Zaporizhzhia hospital, and when I came to my senses, I found out that one of my legs was gone. It was amputated because the tourniquet had been held for too long. Right now, my main goal is a functional prosthesis to return to active life. Unfortunately, the funds allocated by the state are not enough, so I have to turn to charity for help. I would like to stay in the service and make it to the victory together with my comrades.
COLLECTING: UAH 280,794.81
Soldier history
Soldier Oleh, call sign VARIAH
I am an active serviceman. In 2007, I was in regular service in the 95th separate air assault brigade. on the 25th of February 2022, my brother and I joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a part of the 35th Marine Brigade. In October 2022, during the liberation of the Kherson region, I stepped on an enemy mine, resulting in the loss of the lower third of my shin. First aid was provided by my comrades-in-arms and my brother, who was nearby. Then came evacuation, surgery, months of treatment, rehabilitation and prosthetics. In February 2023, I continued my military service in my unit. In the summer of 2023, I was selected for training abroad. Currently, I continue to serve in the Marine Corps unit, the specific nature of which requires speed, agility, endurance and good physical shape. Unfortunately, my prosthesis, although comfortable in everyday life, is not sufficiently adapted for increased physical activity in combat conditions. That is why I am asking benefactors to buy a sports foot for the prosthesis.
COLLECTING: UAH 227,129.31
Soldier history
Soldier Oleg Andrienko
Before the full-scale invasion I worked as a high-altitude installer, doing glass facade installation. In the morning of 24.02.2022 I took my children and went to the village of Velykyi Karashyn, not far from the Makariv. And on 26.02.2022, my friends and I joined the territorial defence in our village. On the 1st of March 2022, when my comrades and I were on duty, an enemy aircraft suddenly appeared and fired a missile at us. Two of my comrades were killed on the spot, and I was lucky to survive, but my lower limb was severely damaged. To save my life, doctors had to amputate my left leg… One day, a friend called me and said that he had seen a post on Facebook - I had been posthumously awarded an order and joked: "You will live a long life!". My relatives, especially my daughters, helped me cope with the trauma, because I had no right to sulk in front of them. I had prosthetics as a civilian. According to the state programme, I have the simplest prosthesis, which does not cover the needs of my daily life. I faced a bureaucratic machine - I still have to prove that I was injured while performing a combat mission. Despite the mobility difficulties, I go in for sports myself. Now I am a coordinator of sports classes at Sport for All, and I train young people of all ages in cycling, volleyball, badminton, football, and tennis. At the moment, I need a more functional prosthesis to continue playing sports and train children and veterans. The prosthetists gave me an opportunity to test a prosthesis with the RHEO KNEE XC electronic knee unit. I felt an incredible difference from the «leg» I have and realised how active life with a prosthesis can really be.
COLLECTING: UAH 564,904
Soldier history
Soldier Ihor, call sign GREENWICH
I am a serviceman, a career officer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. On the 9th of April, 2014, I volunteered to defend Ukraine; for nine and a half years I was a battalion commander. From July 2014 to May 2018 - without rotations, substitutions - in the Anti-Terrorist Operation. I served in Mariupol, Shyrokyne, Hranitne, Troitske, Popasna, Shchastia. Then the Joint Forces Operation, Luhansk region followed. On the 24th of February 2022, together with my unit, I encountered the enemy in Zhytomyr region and liberated Kyiv region. Since the autumn of 2022, we have been crushing the horde in the Zaporizhzhia direction every day. I have high blood pressure all the time. Sometimes it reaches the level of 200/120 mmHg. It was for this reason that I was admitted to the intensive care unit in June 2020. I was diagnosed with an aneurysm (aortic dilation) and stenosis of the right renal artery. A year later, in June 2021, I underwent stenting. They warned me of a life-threatening condition. In January 2024, after the examination, the conclusion was disappointing - the aortic dilation was critical! The only solution is urgent endoprosthetics of the abdominal aorta and common iliac arteries. The operation will be free of charge. But the endoprosthesis is very expensive. I cannot raise this amount of money on my own, so I have to turn to philanthropists and caring members of the public.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 650,000
Soldier history
Soldier Vladyslav, call sign BISMARCK
I signed a contract in 2021. After training, I joined the 93rd Brigade "Kholodny Yar". Before the full-scale invasion, on 23.02.2022, we went to Sumy region. After that we were transferred to the Kharkiv direction, near Izium, where fierce fighting was underway. Being in the hottest spots of the war and defending our freedom, I received a severe perforating spinal cord injury. It happened on 16 June 2022 near the village of Vernopillia. I have been undergoing treatment for over a year now, trying to fight the excruciating pain. I have undergone 23 surgeries, my condition has improved, and I am already moving around in a wheelchair. However, at the moment, I still have to endure these unbearable pains every day, which make my life a living hell. The operation is free of charge, but I need to buy the device However, the financial costs of its purchase are beyond my means. I raised half of the amount, namely UAH 370,000, on my own and paid 50% of the prepayment for the components. But I still need the other half, so I am appealing to the Citizen Charitable Foundation and all those who care for me to support and help.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 370,000
Soldier history
Soldier Viktor, call sign VIRASTIUK
My journey as a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine began in 2014 in the 2nd Battalion of the "Horyn'" territorial defence Brigade as an RPG-7V grenade launcher. I was in the ATO zone until October 2016. I was demobilised in 2016, got married and had a Daughter. I am a builder by profession. I witnessed the full-scale invasion by russia on 24.02.2022 while staying abroad in Poland. On the 25th of February, I went to the regional military enlistment office in Rivne, where I was refused. Their argument was as follows: "You have experience, so wait until we call you”.
After the Ukrainian Armed Forces liberated Kyiv region, the formation of the battalion began, to which I was invited. In 2023, our unit performed a combat mission in the Kherson region. During a mortar attack, I sustained a spinal injury.
The disease has progressed, and now I am unable to perform combat missions nor to live a full life. The only solution is surgery. The surgery is free, but I need to buy a CIF 3D cage for osteosynthesis of the cervical region of the spine. I want to get better and be back with my brothers-in-arms. We have to bring this war to victory.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 48,750
Soldier history
Soldier Vadym, call sign CAP
On March 10, 2022 I was mobilized – by my own choice – and joined number 1 brigade of special forces named by Ivan Bogun. On May 21, 2022 I fought near Troitske of Popasnianskyi district in Luhansk region. Being under artillery fire on our positions I got a serious blast injury with my spine and a penetrating gunshot wound. The surgery took place on May 29, 2002, the splinters of my damaged vertebra were removed and the spine was stabilized with a titan system. After the surgery I could only move around using a wheelchair. Because of the severity of the injury even two years of rehabilitation have not got me back on my feet. More to that I am in constant pain because my legs hurt a lot and I often have seizures. Doctors are ready to carry a surgery with the replacement of the spinal stabilization system, decompression of nerve roots and installing an implant to replace the broken vertebra out for free, however, we need to provide a set of implants. This surgery gives me a chance to get rid of unbearable pain, improve functioning of pelvic organs and even legs.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 165,600
Soldier history
Soldier Dmytro Kuryliak
On the 25th of February 2022, I voluntarily mobilised and joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I was assigned to the 79th Air Assault Brigade. Our unit took part in the defence of Mykolaiv, and then we were sent to Eastern Ukraine. On the 24th of April, 2022, while performing a combat mission, I was wounded in the village of Iampil, Donetsk region. I've had several surgeries, undergone extensive treatment. All this time, I have been fighting for a chance to get back on my feet and regain mobility. I have a lot of work ahead of me. At the moment, I need rehabilitation at the Zakhidnyi Rehabilitation and Sports Centre of the National Committee for Sports for the Disabled People of Ukraine.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 90,000
Soldier history
Soldier Iurii Rozhuk, call sign COSMOS
I am a serviceman, a major, an instructor for the training of artillery units in the A4150 military unit. I was born in the town of Iavoriv to a family of military personnel. I have been in the Armed Forces since 2001. In 2018, as a member of the 24th Separate Mechanised Brigade, I took part in combat operations in the Joint Forces Operation in the Horlivka sector of Donetsk region. From 24 February to the end of March 2022, I took an active part in the defence of Kyiv (Bucha, Gostomel, Moshchun). Due to constant and numerous injuries, stresses, hypothermia during participation in combat operations and instructor work, I developed a disease that resulted in the destruction of the hip joints with a significant impairment of the musculoskeletal system. I need a total hip replacement. I dream of recovering and returning to service.
COLLECTING: UAH 95,000
Soldier history
Soldier Serhii
I joined the army during the 6th wave of mobilisation in 2015. After a year's service, I signed a contract and remained in the Armed Forces of Ukraine for another six months as a tank commander with the Zvirobii 3rd Separate Tank Battalion. I took part in the anti-terrorist operation in the Eastern Ukraine. Due to hypertension, I was forced to resign in 2017.
During the full-scale invasion, while staying in Izium, my family and I found ourselves under occupation. We were at the epicentre of the events. On the 15th of May, 2022, during another shelling, a shell hit our yard, which is why I was injured and lost my leg. I understand that after an amputation, one can live an active life. So far, I have only one plan for the future - to learn to walk. For this, I need to have the stump socket replaced and undergo rehabilitation. That's why I'm asking for help from philanthropists.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 48,000
Soldier history
Soldier Olesia, call sign WASP
My service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine began in 2014. At that time, my husband was already a military men, a career officer, and I volunteered to join the army. I have been wounded many times. I recovered quickly enough and returned to the ranks. Once
on the way, we came under fire. I was thrown back by a shock wave, and at first it seemed nothing serious. The doctors helped me, brought me back to consciousness, and I even refused to be hospitalised. But over time, I regretted it. I am having constant back pain. It even happened that I could not stand on my feet for two months. My intervertebral discs could only be saved by an immediate operation. Only such operation will relieve the fierce pain, which is no longer manageable even with medication blockades.
This war has taken away my most precious that I had - my child, so I have to undergo surgery as soon as possible and return to the ranks to fight the enemy, to avenge my son.
TRANSFERRED: UAH 25,750
Soldier history
Soldier Yaroslav, call sign SVAT
I am a career officer in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In 2014, I commanded an air assault platoon of the 80th separate air assault brigade (Lviv).
In August 2014, I was wounded during the evacuation of wounded comrades in the village of Khryashchuvate, Luhansk region.
An artillery shell exploded near me, the fragments of which tore off my right leg at the level of the upper third of the thigh.
I was treated for two months. My psycho-emotional state improved after talking to a psychologist, thanks to the support of my brother and mother, but the most important thing for me was meeting my future wife, Vasylina. It was important for me to return to military service. Since my health condition did not allow me to serve in a combat brigade, I decided to continue my service in a military educational institution. Because of my active lifestyle, the silicone liner of my prosthesis wears out quickly, so it needs regular replacement, which unfortunately is not fully guaranteed by the state. Therefore, I need the support of philanthropists.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 35,860
Soldier history
Soldier Oleksandr, call sign SAIGON
After the start of the full-scale invasion, I volunteered to join the military enlistment office to join the Armed Forces. I was trained and served in a separate reconnaissance platoon attached to the 17th Tank Brigade.
In December 2022 I received a bullet wound. It pierced my lung and affected my spine. I have been undergoing treatment for a year now. At this stage, I am doing rehabilitation.
Finally, the recovery has begun. My legs started to move, and I am starting to walk a little bit. However, there is still a lot of work to be done. Currently, I need rehabilitation at the Zakhidnyi Rehabilitation and Sports Centre of the National Committee for Sports for the Disabled People of Ukraine. I am already trying to move long distances on my own, to be mobile, so I need an electric wheelchair with manual control.
COLLECTING: UAH 69,999 COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 90,000
Soldier history
Soldier Yurii Kravchuk, call sign is TYKHYI
At the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, I volunteered to join the army to defend Ukraine and Ukrainians! On the 5th July 2022, near Kherson, I received a mine-blast wound, with the severance of two lower limbs above the knees, crushed bones in my left arm, and many burns all over my body. I have learnt to walk again and have mastered the use of prostheses quite well. To get around the city, I need a wheelchair with steering. This vehicle will allow me to be independent and mobile. Yuriy has a highly complex double amputation of his lower limbs and other concomitant injuries, so he needs additional rehabilitation, which he will undergo together with his wife Nina, a soldier in the National Guard of Ukraine.
COLLECTING: UAH 40,320 COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: 76,633.40 UAH
Soldier history
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.
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 suffering from terrible neuropathic pain in my lower limbs for 10 months. 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.
Doctors say that the only salvation for me is surgical neuromodulation. The operation will be free of charge, but I need to purchase a device that will be implanted in my body.
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.
COLLECTING: UAH 740,000
Soldier history
Soldier Serhii Koshelnikov, call sign HAISHNIK
I was first mobilised in March 2015 to the military unit 3005. I served there until April 2016. Then was discharged and continued to live a normal life, working, raising two sons with my wife. The next day after the full-scale russian invasion, on the 25th of February 2022, I volunteered to join the same unit. During an assault, the enemy covered us with mortar fire.
For the rest of my life, I will always remember how that unfortunate 80 mm calibre mine arrived. It clearly landed under my right leg. After the explosion, I was conscious the whole time. My both lower limbs were amputated above the knee. My wife is always with me. At home, we are starting life anew, adjusting to the new circumstances. The next step is to purchase a Compact active wheelchair.
TOTAL COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 165,503
Soldier history
Soldier Maksym Karasyk
Before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I was the director of a trading and manufacturing company. On 24.02.2022, after the introduction of martial law, I came to work, handed over all my cases and voluntarily went to the military registration and enlistment office the next day.
On 1st March 2022, I was sent to military unit A1778. That's how I became part of the glorious 15th Separate Mountain Assault Battalion of the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade. I was assigned to the 2nd Mountain Assault Company as a machine gun crewman. I got the military rank of soldier. I was sent to the area of combat operations - Lyman, Kreminna, then I was transferred to the village of Stara Krasnianka (suburb of Rubizhne, Luhansk region).
On 09.04.2022, during a mortar shelling, I was wounded in the left leg. I was treated in a hospital, then underwent. On the 15th of May, I returned to service. I was awarded the medal "Defender of the Homeland" for participating in hostilities in the village of Stara Krasnianka.
In October 2022, during an assault near the village of Nova Kamianka (Kherson region), I received shrapnel wounds from two shots from a tank. Severe polytrauma - shrapnel wounds to the right lung, multiple blunt and perforating wounds to the right thigh, wounds to the right forearm with loss of part of the muscles and part of the ulna.
In April 2023, I was discharged from the 15th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade for health reasons, I was removed from the military register. I have a 2nd disability group (War Veteran) with a 80% loss of ability to work.
At the beginning of summer, I returned to my duties and am now a director again. I take part in volunteer activities. I underwent rehabilitation. I have almost fully restored the movement of my arm. Now I am working on restoring the movement of the foot. I am currently in need of rehabilitation at the Zakhidnyi Rehabilitation and Sports Centre of the National Committee for Sports for the Disabled People of Ukraine.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 90,000
Soldier history
Soldier Oleh Ardeli, call sign ARA
In August 2022, I received a call-up and immediately started serving. I joined the newly formed 66th Brigade, as a rifleman in the unit.
… We were transferred to Nevske in Donetsk region to liberate the village of Makiivka. We were already in a green bushy area near the designated settlement, when we got hit by artillery fire. And during this shelling, I received a shrapnel wound to my right upper limb.
After the hit, I got an intense burning sensation in my right arm. My comrade put a tourniquet on it, and together with three comrades we went to the evacuation point.
Doctors diagnosed me with a gunshot shrapnel wound to the right shoulder with a gunshot multifragment fracture of the humerus with damage to the brachial artery. I was treated in a hospital, and now I need rehabilitation because of contractures in the elbow and fingers of my right hand. According to experts, my arm will recover, but it will no longer work 100%, it will be like an auxiliary arm. I will have two "left arms" for sure).
Currently, I need to recover at the Zakhidnyi Rehabilitation and Sports Centre of the National Committee for Sports for the Disabled People of Ukraine.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 90,000
Soldier history
Soldier Oleksii, call sign D'ARTAGNAN
In 2015, I enrolled into Odesa Military Academy, Faculty of Airborne Assault Forces and Marines. I wanted to become an officer and go to defend my country. After graduation, I chose to serve in the city of Mariupol in the 503rd Separate Marine Battalion.
In 2020, I went to the war front as a platoon commander. The positions held by my unit were in the village of Shumy near the Toretsk town. In October 2020, during a combat mission, I stepped on a mine.When I looked at my leg, I saw that I had no foot anymore. The pain was terrible, but bearable.
These three kilometres back to our positions were the longest in my life, but we made it.
After the 9th operation I thought only one thing: "If this does not break me morally, then nothing in the world will."
Two months later, I started walking on a prosthesis. And another month later I started running, skating, cycling. I stopped paying attention to the fact that I had no leg and returned to service.
As before, I am actively involved in sports, and as a member of the UKRAINIAN MARINES TEAM, I am preparing for a running marathon in London, which will take place in April 2024.
During training, the liners, without which the prosthesis cannot be used, quickly wear out. I urgently need a replacement socket.
TOTAL TRANSFERRED: UAH 47,629.40
Soldier history
Soldier Ihor Dibrov, call sign KAPER (meaning “Capper”)
I conscripted voluntarily and began to serve in the summer of 2022.
I studied in the UK, where I was promoted to the squad leader for my excellence. Then I was professionally trained as an artilleryman, namely as a spotter. After graduation, I joined the Ukrainian Marines, who got deployed to the east of Ukraine, namely to the Donetsk region, where I continued my service.
In January 2023, we were sent to reinforce our positions in the direction of the village of Vodiane, near Avdiivka.
For several days, there was massive shelling of our positions, during which I was injured in the thigh. It was then that a shrapnel affected my hip joint.
Then came the evacuation. Hospitals. Surgeries.
Now, in order to return to an active full life, I need to have my hip joint replaced, which was damaged by that unfortunate shrapnel. Therefore, I appeal to all those who are concerned, for help.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 171,650
Soldier history
Soldier Oleksandr, call sign KOZAK
I served in the 25th Airborne Brigade, a career officer. During the liberation of Nyzhnia Krynka from the enemy on August 24th, 2014, I sustained an amputation of my lower limb after we were shelled by Grad MLRS...After the treatment, at my personal request, I remained in the military service. I have been serving on a prosthesis for almost nine years. After the full-scale invasion, I practically did not sit down for the first month. And this is all thanks to the skillful work of the team of my prosthetist, Oleksandr Stetsenko, who provided me with a prosthesis of increased functionality and reliability. The loads on the prosthesis are almost equal compared to the remaining leg. During the day, I run 10-20 times to the fourth floor, where my workplace is. I travel to the forest and steppe to visit the guys, where I can move independently.
But the lifespan of this prosthesis is running out and I need a replacement. I would like to get the same one, because thanks to it, I perform my tasks accurately, on the same level as my colleagues do.
However, the state funds are insufficient for a new prosthesis. Therefore, in order to get a proper foot and knee, I need to pay extra at the expense of charity finances.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 172,969.04
Soldier history
Soldier Mykola, call sign SHERMAN
I have been in the army since 2016. I signed a contract and served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine until the summer of 2021. When the full-scale invasion began, I was in Kharkiv. On 25th February 2022, together with my comrade-in-arms, we went to our unit in Donbas. On 10th March 2023, we came under heavy artillery fire, and I became "cargo 300th" (means wounded) with a gunshot shrapnel wound to my right shin. I remember when I saw my leg hanging on the skin, I immediately realised that they would amputate it. After treatment, prosthetics and rehabilitation, I continued my military service. The prosthesis does not prevent me from defending my homeland. However, due to excessive loads (body armour plus combat kit weighs 20-30 kg, and I have to run with all this), my foot burst, and now I need to have it replaced immediately to return to combat missions.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 167,650.70
Soldier history
Soldier Artur, call sign SLIPA
During the full-scale invasion, Artur served in the National Guard of Ukraine under a fixed-term contract. In early 2023, he could have resigned, but he continued to serve in the National Guard of Ukraine of his own free will.
On 23rd August 2023, while performing a combat mission in the area of Serebrianske forestry, Donetsk region, he sustained a shrapnel spinal cord injury. At Mechnikov Hospital in Dnipro, he had a metal fragment removed from his spine and was sent for treatment. Currently, the twenty-four-year-old fighter is immobile, but with great faith and confidence in his recovery and speedy healing, he is undergoing rehabilitation in Modrychi town. He has a long way to go in his recovery, and while he is completing it, he needs a specialised bed. It is with this issue that his family appeals to all those who are not indifferent.
TRANSFERRED: UAH 50,300
Soldier history
Nika Bichakhia soldier, call sign GRUZIN (meaning “Georgian”)
I serve in the 24th separate mechanised brigade named in honour of King Danylo Halytskyi, in the 1st night assault battalion. I volunteered. I was doing my military service from 2014 to 2019. Before the full-scale invasion, I was in the Netherlands, but as soon as I found out that I had to defend the borders of my second homeland, I returned to Ukraine without hesitation. Because I had a family here - a sister and brother with small children. I had to protect them. During my service, I was personally awarded the Bravery Medal of the first, second and third class by the Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. While defending Ukraine, I was repeatedly wounded and injured, which led to aseptic necrosis of the heads of my right and left femurs. This problem prevents me from moving normally and causes severe pain. There is only one solution - total hip replacement of both hip joints.
I plan to undergo surgery as soon as possible and return to the army. My biggest dream is Ukraine's victory and peace in the country!
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 190,000
Soldier history
Ukrainian Armed Forces servicewoman Tetyana, call sign TANCHYK
I am 38 years old. In 2016, I was involved in a car accident, I received numerous serious injuries, including the amputation of a lower part of my left leg. During the lengthy treatment (about two years), I often happened to communicate with wounded soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. After that, I drastically changed my views on the occupation of the Crimea and
the Anti-Terrorist Operation in eastern Ukraine. With the start of the full-scale invasion, I had an overwhelming urge to contribute to the defence of my homeland, but my amputation was an obstacle. For more than a year, I was beating down the doorsteps of military enlistment offices, but I kept hearing that a woman with a prosthesis had no place in the army. But I did not give up!
In the summer of 2023, with all the hard efforts, I finally managed to get mobilised to the Armed Forces. I am currently serving as part of the medical company of the 126th Territorial Defence Forces Brigade, which has been taking part in combat operations in the southern part of Ukraine since December 2022. Due to excessive loads, my prosthetic foot has damaged, and now I need to have it replaced immediately.
Now I dream of one thing: Victory, so that my child can return home to the free, independent and flourishing Ukraine!
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 161,230.53
Soldier history
Soldier Oleh Protsenko, call sign AGS
At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, I joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I served as a rifleman in a defence battalion.
On 21 April 2023, I was seriously wounded near the town of Izium, Kharkiv region. As combat medics say, I was the "severe cargo 300th" (code word for "wounded"). I had a gunshot wound to the spine, which led to paralysis of the lower limbs and upper combined paraparesis. In addition, I have a shrapnel in my spine left as a memory. Now I move exclusively in a wheelchair with electric control, my legs do not work. For a comfortable life, I need a wheelchair with OSD-YU-ITC hygiene equipment. I dream of getting back on my feet, and of the Victory for which we are all fighting so hard together! I want to raise my children and grandchildren so that they live in peace and tranquillity.
TRANSFERRED: UAH 11,549
Soldier history
Soldier Volodymyr, call sign TSYHAN
On 24 February 2022, despite having a second disability group, I went to the military enlistment office. I served as a machine gunner in the first tank brigade, the first rifle battalion, in the second company in a machine gun platoon. After 20 months of service, I faced a health problem. Excessive loads had taken their toll on my hip joints. For some time, I was on painkillers. After examination, the doctors determined that I needed surgery, namely, endoprosthetics of the left hip joint. Now I can barely move, the pain is bothering me every day. I have turned for help to the charity foundation and all those who care. I am only 30 years old. I dream of an end to the war! I understand how much work is ahead of us, and I am still young and can be useful to our society.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 90,000
Soldier history
Soldier Serhii, DIAK-S
In September 2014, I was mobilised to the Anti-Terrorist Operation zone. In May 2015, I received a gunshot burn wound to my leg and a shrapnel blunt wound to the soft tissues of my face. I underwent four skin transplant operations. On 01.03.2022, I was mobilised to the territorial military operation unit of Tulchyn district, Vinnytsia region. Since 02.02.2023, I have been on service in the Chornobyl border zone until now. The first pain symptoms appeared 6 months ago, the right hip joint began to hurt. I visited a doctor when my walking function got impaired. Endoprosthetics is the only way to get rid of the constant pain that prevents me from not only performing combat missions, but also from living a normal life. That's why I turned to the charity foundation for help. I dream about the operation and returning to service as soon as possible, to defend the Ukrainian sky!
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 95,000
Soldier history
Soldier Liubomyr Perozhak, call sign MAZUTA
On the 15th of February, 2023, I was seriously wounded near Kupiansk, Kharkiv region. We were in the trenches, holding our positions, and an enemy tank started shelling. The enemy covered our positions with heavy fire, and there were two hits to the trench. When I saw my legs, I immediately realised that they would amputate them. As combat medics say, I was a severe “cargo 300th”.
All the time from the moment I was wounded to the stabilisation point, I was conscious. I heard everything, saw everything, sang, laughed and tried to rush back into battle...
Thus, defending our homeland Ukraine, I was left with an amputation of both legs!!!
I have already undergone rehabilitation, received prosthetic legs, and am slowly walking. However, I understand that to move freely and be mobile with my amputations, I need a wheelchair with steering.
My plans for the future are to live and raise two children.
I will try to complete my contract in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I would like to build a military career, but life will tell.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 69,999
Soldier history
Soldier Anton, call sign ZOLOTYI
In 2015, I volunteered to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. During one year of service, I mastered various types of weapons. I served in intelligence until the end of 2016. The first time I "lost" my knee was in 2018, when I was working in the Luhansk direction of Zolote settlement. I had torn ligaments, menisci, and my knees were scattered in different sides. When I was on medical leave, I realised that I could still serve for a while and support my guys. As soon as the situation with my knees improved, I signed contracts with the Armed Forces for several times. On 24 February 2022, I once again picked up a machine gun. Despite the severe pain, I spent the first two months of the full-scale war with my guys. I had to work under very strong medication, because my knees were hurting badly… I know military matters well. Unfortunately, I am not able to do this now, because I can barely move on crutches. The only solution is total knee replacement of both knee joints. I want to join the Armed Forces. I understand that I won't be recruited to the infantry for offensive operations, but I am quite capable of flying drones. Therefore, I am appealing to all those concerned for help so that I could return to the army.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 182,000
Soldier history
Soldier Mykola Pavliuk, call sign SVIATYI MYKOLAI
I received an injury in the village of Bilohirka, Kherson region. On 29th August 2022, during a combat mission, we came under enemy mortar attack. I sustained a mine-blast injury, gunshot blunt shrapnel wound to the right shoulder, traumatic amputation of the right lower limb and other numerous medical issues.
I did not lose consciousness, felt calm, and administered first aid to myself. I did not even realise at first that I had lost my leg...
I mastered the prosthesis quite quickly. Unfortunately, I can no longer return to the army. However, the desire to help my fellow soldiers prevails, so I plan to retrain as a prosthetist. I want to help my brothers-in-arms get back on their feet.
I've already got used to moving around on a prosthesis, but unfortunately my new leg failed prematurely. Now I need to get the stump socket repaired and replaced.
TRANSFERRED: UAH 35,997.74
Soldier history
Soldier Artem, call sign KORSHUN (KITE/bird)
I have been serving with the 36th Marine Brigade since 2019. Now I am fighting using a prosthesis because in 2020, while performing combat missions, I stepped on an anti-personnel mine... I received multiple shrapnel wounds to my head, neck, torso, upper and lower extremities, and a part of my foot was torn off. The prosthesis does not prevent me from defending my homeland. However, due to excessive loads, my artificial foot burst and now I need to have it replaced immediately. This will allow me to continue defeating the orcs and bring the Victory closer!
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 144,320
Soldier history
Soldier Mykola, call sign PIRATE
I am currently serving in the territorial defence of my city. On 24 February 2022, at six in the morning, I came to the military enlistment office with my wife, despite my having a prosthesis, we decided to defend our homeland together. Before that, we had an interesting story...
It was the year 2016. I enlisted with our local battalion. After a few weeks at the training grounds, we went to the front line. There I met a young woman who became my wife (we have two children now). While performing a regular combat mission, I blew up on a mine. I remember my first thought: "That's it, Kolia, your life is going to be over". But my wife was with me during the entire treatment. Her faith and support brought me back to life. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, I was near the border of Sivershchyna, Kharkiv region, and near Bakhmut. Now I am defending my homeland in the eastern Ukraine again. Unfortunately, due to excessive combat loads, the prosthesis wore out, the socket burst, and the liner, without which the prosthesis cannot be operated, ruptured. Now I need to have a new stump socket manufactured and the liner replaced as soon as possible to return to combat missions.
TRANSFERRED: UAH 36,000
Soldier history
Soldier Mykhailo, call sign TYMOKHA
I went to war from the first day of the full-scale invasion. On the 9th of September, 2022, we went on an assault and successfully knocked out the enemy from the area of the village of Spirne, Donetsk region. The next day, a heavy artillery shelling of the held positions began, as a result of which I sustained severe injuries to my arm (which was almost torn off to the elbow)… When I came to senses after the operation, I saw that my arm had been completely amputated. Initially, I got very upset and did not want to talk to anyone for two days. Eventually, I got over my emotions and realised that I had to move on with my life. I called my wife first and told her what had happened. She was very supportive and said thank God that I was alive. I also have a daughter (9 years old) with a disability. So I have a reason to live! Now I need an electronically controlled prosthesis in my shoulder joint after amputation, for which there are not enough state funds, so I decided to turn to philanthropists. I will be grateful to everyone for help.
COLLECTING: UAH 428,500
Soldier history
Soldier Serhii, call sign UNCLE SERIOZHA
I started my military career in May 2020. At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, separate mechanised brigade, in which I served, was located in Volnovakha, Donetsk region.
While performing a combat mission, I got injured, which I did not immediately pay attention to because at the time I had to deal with other things...
Over time, the pain in my leg only got worse, and walking became harder and harder every day. After examination, it turned out that I had no joints in my knees at all.
The only way out was immediate knee replacement. My dream is to undergo surgery as soon as possible, undergo rehabilitation and return to the army to continue fighting the enemy. And I need your help to be able to do it.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 98,200
Soldier history
Soldier Anatolii, call sign VNUCHOK
On 26th February 2022, I voluntarily went to the military enlistment office and was mobilised into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. On 9th June 2023, in the Luhansk region, on the outskirts of the village of Dibrova, during a combat mission, we came under mortar fire. . I remember how everything turned upside down in my head. My fellow soldier Mykola rescued me and administered first aid, for which I am immensely grateful.
Later, it turned out that I sustained a severe concussion, and in addition, a shell fragment from a mine hit the plate of my body armour and damaged my spine. Then surgeries in Dnipro and treatment in Kyiv followed. Now I need a wheelchair to move around. I believe I will be able to walk again, and I am making every effort to get back on my feet.
The process of recovery and rehabilitation is ongoing, I continue to work out, and I am already seeing some progress. I already have sporting achievements and motivation. I was invited to join the Ukrainian National Paralympic Skiing and Biathlon Team, which is already preparing for the 2026 Paralympics. Now I need another 5 months of rehabilitation, during which I will undergo health procedures under the supervision of specialists and actively work in the gym. The cost of 5 months of rehabilitation at the Zakhidnyi Rehabilitation and Sports Centre of the National Committee for Sports for the disabled people of Ukraine makes UAH 435,000.00.
COLLECTING: UAH 435,000 COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 106 000
Soldier history
Soldier Yurii, call sign MALYI
I started my military career at the age of 19. At the time of the full-scale invasion, I joined the army in April 2022. On 16th January 2023, in the Zaporizhzhia sector in Orikhiv district, while performing a combat mission, I was seriously injured by enemy fire.
...I did not see anything because of the impact. Only after a few seconds I came to senses and realised that one of my arms was torn off, that the other was damaged, that my right eye was draining, and that I could not see anything with my left eye and did not understand what was wrong with it. My comrade ran up to me and said: "Brother, I don't know what to do, I wasn't trained for this!" I didn't lose my cool and said: "If you do nothing, I will die. Listen to me carefully, and everything will be fine!" Then I was guiding him and telling him what to do.
...It's hard for me without one arm, because before the war I was a builder, I earned my living with my hands my whole life. I am used to working, so I need a bionic prosthesis. I understand that it will not replace my arm, but I believe that I will at least get closer to what I had before. I will be very grateful to everyone who will help me.
I recently got married, I dream of a big family and children. And I really want to get behind the wheel of my motorbike again and feel the freedom I so desperately need to feel under the peaceful sky of my homeland.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 1 153,008.92
Soldier history
Soldier Serhii Kachan, call sign WILD JOE
In 2014, I joined the army as a volunteer, served in the Anti-Terrorist Operation zone and then – in the Joint Forces Operation zone. After my military service, I was a border guard in my native Sumy region. In nine years, I signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine four times. The last one ended in early 2022. Why did I choose military service? Because it is MY VOCATION! My whole life is connected with the army. When the full-scale invasion of the aggressor began, I did not hesitate for a moment, and on the very first day I returned to the army as a volunteer. While on duty, I got an injury to my lumbar spine. Excessive military loads aggravated the problem. Over the past few months, my back has been hurting a lot, sometimes I can barely move my legs. I have already been operated on twice, but the problem has relapsed again. I need immediate replacement of the spinal vertebrae, I need to buy implants, without which there is no point in surgery.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 68,000
Soldier history
Soldier Oleksandr, call sign DOBA
I started my military career back in 1990 in the 95th Airmobile Brigade when I was called up for military service. Upon completion of service, I immediately signed a contract with the same unit and took part in a NATO peacekeeping mission in Yugoslavia. There was a break in military service for several years, and in 2015 I was called up for service. I served in the Luhansk region. After demobilisation, I signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine twice: I served in the Luhansk region, took part in the Joint Forces Operation in the Donetsk sector.
In the first days of the full-scale invasion, I came to the military enlistment office and was immediately recruited for service, because after my release I was in the main reserve of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. In May 2023, while performing a combat mission in the Kharkiv region, I had a bad fall. The bruise was constantly reminding me of itself, the pain did not just go away, it was only getting worse. My arm was turning blue. After the examination, it turned out that I had a nonunion fracture of the left shoulder bone with post-traumatic deformation of the joint surfaces. The only solution to the problem is immediate arthroplasty of the shoulder joint. Now I constantly wear a supportive bandage to immobilise my arm as much as possible and ease the pain. I continue my military service, and believe in our Victory.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 117,700
Soldier history
Soldier Volodymyr, call sign VOVCHONOK
On 22 December, 2022, during the next russian offensive near the village of Kurdiumivka, Bakhmut district, Donetsk region, during a combat mission, as a result of artillery fire, I received gunshot shrapnel wounds to the lower third of the right forearm with traumatic amputation of the hand. In addition to his arm, my lungs were also damaged.
My comrades provided first aid on the spot, quickly evacuated me from the battlefield and transported me to Kostiantynivka. There, doctors pumped out the fluid from my lungs...
And in 4 days I was already in a Kyiv hospital. It was in Kyiv that my upper limb was amputated. Doctors had fought hard to save my arm... The specialists had no choice but to make a radical decision - complete amputation of the upper limb.
Now I need a bionic prosthesis (a prosthesis after amputation in the shoulder joint with an external energy source) with a Vincent wrist. This hand is one of the best in the field of prosthetics and will provide me with sufficient functionality and convenience.
COLLECTING: UAH 1 376,325.60
Soldier history
Soldier Alim Abduramanov, call sign TATARIN
I am an aerial reconnaissance soldier, working with drones. On 07th November 2022, while performing a combat mission near Ploshchanka settlement, Luhansk region, I received an order to fly to a certain quadrant where there were about 5 enemy tanks. I found three of them and flew the drone back to change the battery and enter the coordinates for further processing. As soon as I landed the drone, our positions in the greenery were immediately being mowed down by these very tanks I had recently spotted. After the Starlink cable was severed, I could hear the rounds from the tank hitting very, very close by. At one point, there was complete silence... and then - a sharp explosion next to our dugout!
After the explosion, I felt my left foot burning terribly. I looked and my foot was already broken and turned to the other side. There was no panic, I was as composed as possible... Eventually, I managed to crawl to the guys from the 66th Brigade. They noticed me...
Now I walk on a prosthesis. I never asked anyone for help, I tried to solve everything myself. But now I have to ask people who care to support the fundraising for a sports prosthesis. I want to return to the army, I just need it to perform combat missions effectively.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 195,529.39
Soldier history
Soldier Petro, call sign BORODACH (meaning BEARDMAN)
Like all servicemen, since February 2014, I have been through a journey: first the ATO (anti-terrorist operation), and then the JFO (Joint Forces Operation). In October 2014, while performing a mission, I injured my knee and hip joint. At that moment, there was no time or opportunity to chill out, to think only about myself, because every person counted. Time passed quickly, and old injuries were constantly reminding of themselves. In 2018, I underwent a long treatment in an Odesa hospital. But soon the pain returned. The joints could not withstand the military loads. I was again treated in hospitals in Mykolaiv and Vinnytsia. Over the past year pain, difficulties in movement and restrictions on physical activity have significantly reduced the quality of my life. Unfortunately, I can no longer move without a cane. The doctors unanimously said that it was time to radically solve this problem. I need arthroplasty and rehabilitation of my left hip joint. In addition, the right hip and knee joints need long-term treatment.
COLLECTING: UAH 95,000
Soldier history
Soldier Oleksandr Vykhruk
On 27 March 2023, I was seriously injured near the village of Berestove, Donetsk region. My comrades put braces on three of my limbs. I received primary medical care in Sloviansk, after which I was sent to Mechnikov Hospital in Dnipro, where my limbs were amputated.
I was in a medically induced coma for more than a month.
I regained consciousness in early May and saw the consequences of my injury.
I had no desire to live.
There was pain, despair, bitterness and sadness.
Now, thanks to the help of volunteers @MinisterBoomer, @PanierCathrin
a wheelchair that can be controlled by the chin has been found and delivered to Oleksandr. From now on, it is our job to be there for him, to involve specialists, to help him find the most effective solutions, in a comprehensive manner, step by step.
TRANSFERRED: UAH 102,600
Soldier history
Soldier Bohdan Yarotskyi, call sign SILVER
On 9 March, during the enemy's massive shelling of the city of Izium by aircraft, artillery systems, tanks and mortars, I was wounded in the right leg. I was pulled out of the battlefield by Cossacks from the 81st Brigade; and got evacuated to Kramatorsk.
From Kramatorsk, I was evacuated to Vinnytsia, without documents, without a penny, without a leg. As soon as I recovered in the hospital, I immediately started fitting prosthetics. The process was not easy, having received a training prosthesis, I tried to throw away my crutches as soon as possible and walk on my own because I had to return. In mid-September '22, I returned and immediately went to my military unit, I got back into the ranks. In the spring of '23, I was selected for the national team of Ukraine in the Invictus Games. Now I urgently need a modular prosthetic leg with a silicone liner. It will help me represent Ukraine with dignity at this year's Invictus Games 2023 international competitions, which will be held on 9-16 September in Dusseldorf, Germany. It will also make my active everyday life easier.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 236,140.58
Soldier history
Soldier Ruslan, call sign FATHER TIHON
On 8 June 2022, I was seriously wounded in the Kharkiv region near the town of Balakliia. I think I saw this missile, as if in a movie, I watched it fly, and then there was an explosion. I was thrown back, realised I had to crawl, took out a knife, and clinging to the knife, I crawled to my fellow soldiers... Only in the hospital room did I find out that my left leg was completely amputated.
Now I am undergoing rehabilitation and prosthetics in the Lviv region. In order to be mobile and move freely, I need a functional hip prosthesis, the cost of which is higher than the state program covers. I dream of victory. I dream of my daughter giving birth to my grandchildren, and me walking with them on my both feet on our land, where there are no russian brats. I dream of lifting my grandchildren over my own head so that they can better see the beauty of their homeland.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 111,531.05
Soldier history
Soldier Ruslan, call sign PRYMARA (GHOST)
On November 5, 2022, during a combat mission, I trod on anti-personnel mine. This "butterfly" "liked" me, bit me like a crocodile. Five soldiers had gone in front of me - all without incident – but it left me without fingers. Then, in the hospital, part of my foot was amputated up to the heel.
Now I need a special leg prosthesis to lead an active life and move freely. I dream that there will be many happy people around me rebuilding the country, business and justice in Ukraine, building a big house for my girls, because I really want a daughter and to hear the words "dear dad" every morning and to embrace each other tightly.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 13,650
Soldier history
Soldier Dmytro, call sign VAMPIR
During a combat mission in Severodonetsk, on the 11th of May, 2022, I got under artillery fire, where I was seriously injured - the right leg was severed at the level of the hip joint. The leg was finally amputated in Druzhkivka.
People ask me how I felt when I found out that my leg had to be amputated. There were no emotions because I was in a serious condition. After the amputation, I was in a lot of pain, so I couldn't think much about it.
I don't consider myself to be weak, so I understood that it would take time and everything would be fine.
Now, for everyday life, I need a prosthesis, for which the state programme does not allocate sufficient funds.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 112,370.71
Soldier history
Soldier Oleksii, call sign FRODO
On 14.03.2023, while performing a combat mission, I came under enemy mortar fire near Bakhmut, but, thank God, I miraculously survived. My lung and kidney were ruptured, my right arm was torn off, I had shrapnel injuries to my head and spine, multiple internal and external injuries, but I survived.
At the moment, I am undergoing rehabilitation and waiting for further surgeries. But at the same time, I am training to fly drones with one hand together with the Victory Drones team, so I can continue to teach the defenders such an important craft and bring our victory closer.
Now I need a modern bionic prosthetic arm. I am confident that I will continue to be useful to my profession and society, and the results of my efforts will be incredible!!!
COLLECTED: UAH 1 295,000
Soldier history
Soldier, call sign MEHAN
At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, I joined the Freikorps volunteer battalion from the very first days. In July 2022, due to excessive strain the prosthesis wore out and the stump socket broke. That's the first time when I turned to the Citizen Foundation. They quickly replaced the part, and I returned to military service.
Almost a year has passed, the workload remains as before, and I need a new stump socket again. In addition to it, the foot also burst, and it needs to be replaced. A prosthesis in war, like a car, is in constant need of repair.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 189,261,83
Soldier history
Soldier Ivan, call sign VANO
On 26.02.22, as part of a combined unit as a machine gunner, I went to perform combat missions in the Donetsk region to the city of Lyman.
At the end of April, in the village of Zelena Dolyna, while performing one of the combat missions, I fell and landed badly. Immediately I felt severe pain... Over time, the pain did not stop, but only increased, and painkillers stopped working. The specialists unanimously said: "Surgery is essential - total hip replacement of both hip joints. Unfortunately, there are no alternatives!". I have two dreams! The first one is of our VICTORY! And the second is that - my son was born before the war, - and I dream of playing football with him. After a hip replacement surgery on my left leg in June 2023, I underwent rehabilitation and am ready for a right hip replacement. The positive experience of replacing my left joint gives me hope for a full life without limitations and pain.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 230,000
Soldier history
Soldier Petro Viskup
In September 2022, Petro performed combat missions near the village of Bilohorivka, Luhansk region. On 19.09.2022, he and his comrades found themselves under artillery fire. Petro was severely injured: blast trauma, brain contusion, multiple fractures of the skull bones. In addition, a metal fragment is stuck in the right frontal lobe of his skull.
For more than 9 months Petro has been fighting for his life. After many surgeries, the time has come to install a titanium plate, which is necessary for further treatment. There are high hopes for a full recovery, doctors give good prognoses.
Petro has two children, two girls. He will fight for them to the end! Petro is a true Ukrainian warrior!
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 30,040
Soldier history
Soldier Oleksandr Kolko
On 24th February 2022, I volunteered to defend my homeland. The defence began with the well-known Saltivka (602nd military district of Kharkiv), and then followed endless other places. On 10th September 2022, near the village of Kindrashivka, Kupiansk district, a UAV "kamikaze drone" hit the armoured personnel carrier (APC) while I was inside. As a result, I was injured, my right limbs were torn off: both my arm and leg. While I was fully conscious, they were ripped off.
Now I need an electric wheelchair, because soon I will return home, where I will be one-on-one with my fate. The wheelchair will help me to move freely on my own, to be mobile.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 76,502
Soldier history
Soldier Ivan Lebid, call sign "PTITSA" (BIRD)
From the first days of the full-scale invasion, I stood up to defend his homeland. I took part in the battles for Kyiv, Bucha, Moshchun, Stoianka, and Liutizh. During the battles, I sustained a leg injury. In April 2022, I underwent surgery, and in early May returned to service. Unfortunately, the problems with my leg did not disappear after the operation, the pain made it impossible to perform combat missions. To lead a full active life and continue to serve, I need a knee replacement and an fit an implant.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 45,600
Soldier history
Soldier, call sign “ZMII”
I am an officer in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In 2014, I was mobilized into the armed forces and served 2 rotations in eastern Ukraine. In 2019-2022, I fought in the Donetsk area, in the defense of Kyiv, in Kharkiv and Luhansk regions, and for more than a month, together with the guys, I held the defense of Severodonetsk. At the end of June 2022, I was seriously wounded: open fractures of the right leg and arm, a contusion, broken ribs and a shoulder blade. My arm was amputated up to the shoulder joint. I need a functional prosthetic arm to resume a more or less full life, and most importantly, my service in the Armed Forces.
COLLECTING: UAH 1 400,000
Soldier history
Soldier Andrii Holopapa, call sign "OTETS'" (Father)
"I am 19, I am a 2nd year student in Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, studying physics.
February 24 greeted me with an air-raid alert and havoc in the dormitory... I realized that the war had begun.
Without hesitation, I packed the most valuable things into my backpack - documents, money and flags, and went to the military registration and enlistment office."
As a result of an injury, his left lower limb was amputated, and he needs prosthetics.
Owing to the professional work of the Superhumans Centre, Andrii received a long-awaited prosthetic leg.
Therefore, all remaining funds raised for Andrii's prosthetics, at his request, will be redirected to help other soldiers under the care
of the "Citizen" charity foundation.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 366,834.90
Soldier history