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When a Russian bullet hit the ammo on Yan’s vest, it tore away his right arm and immediately removed him from combat. The front line was then replaced by hospital beds and stillness. Today, he’s back in uniform as part of a small unit called “Angels.
From front line to stillness
At the eastern front, Yan got caught in an explosion, and his life changed in an instant. Following the injury came a long period of paralysis. Hospital beds, white coats, and endless hours spent scrolling through TikTok and YouTube. Days blurred into each other, and Yan refused to talk about the injury. He avoided going outside, instead lying in bed all day and doing nothing.
– At first I wanted to hide my arm. But then I realised people don’t actually care. And that’s when I stopped caring. Now I can do what I want.
It was his girlfriend who helped him rise from bed and find a new path.
– Having someone by your side is crucial. I had my girlfriend many have no one. Then its easy to give up, Yan says.
– Many fall into darkness after an injury. To drink, to stillness. That’s not good.
The decision to enlist
Before the war, Yan studied architecture at university. He envisioned a future designing buildings and models. Bur, everything changed when his hometown, Bucha, got occupied.
– The Russians stole a lot, and they killed a close friend of the family.
Yan also had a younger brother who was only 18 months old when the war began.
– I didn’t want him to remember this war. So I decided to enlist and do my best.
Delivering for the final stretch
Fritt Ukraina met Yan during the delivery of a freezer truck – our second to his unit. This truck fulfills a critical need. It will transport fallen soldiers over long distances under safe and dignified conditions.
Read more about the delivery here: New freezer truck for the “angels”
The freezer truck is now in service with Yan’s unit, the “Angels,” a small team within Ukraine’s Third Assault Brigade. They retrieve the wounded and the dead from the front lines, and bring them to hospitals. Makes sure they get proper rehabilitation. And sometimes deliver basic essentials like a toothbrush, soap, or clean clothes.
– After being injured, you’re left with only the clothes you’re wearing. When you’re in the hospital and you realise you can’t even brush your teeth, you need someone to provide the most basic things, Yan says.
A veteran in a new role
Yan is the only combat veteran on his team. He’s back in a uniform, but now he uses his own experiences to support others through rehabilitation. He also seeks to inspire his fellow wounded.
– Many injured want to return to the brigade. Not to fight, but to contribute in the ways they can. I’ve seen many with amputations continue working. They do their best.
He has seen how his experience makes a difference.
– After battles and explosions, your perspective changes. It helps to have someone who’s been through the same thing, someone who can walk with you through it.
A new beginning
Since the amputation, Yan has started to view life different. He’s taken up climbing, model painting, and building Lego. Tasks he once postponed, he now does.
– I used to always say ‘later’. Now I say ‘yes’. I want to make the most of my life.
He hopes to inspire others to find meaning and joy, even when the body has changed forever.
– What matters most is that we don’t forget them. That we take care of every one of our own. We want our soldiers to be treated with honor.