Ukrainian soldiers who lost limbs in battle refuse to back down. They have survived devastating injuries, endured grueling rehabilitation, and now stand ready to fight again. With advanced prosthetics and unwavering determination, they return to the frontlines. Their mission is unchanged—to defend Ukraine and prove that nothing, not even the loss of limbs, can break their will. These warriors are the ones Russia couldn’t kill, and they are stronger than ever.
Andrii Rubliuk’s triumph over death
Andrii Rubliuk, 38, is living proof that resilience knows no limits. He lost both arms and his left leg after an explosion nearly ended his life. Medically declared dead, he somehow survived. Rather than accept his fate, he pushed through rehabilitation with incredible speed. Last spring, he rejoined Ukraine’s special forces as a senior sergeant in the Artan intelligence unit. Now, outfitted with prosthetics, he trains soldiers and monitors enemy drones. He believes real strength comes from overcoming the impossible. “Fighting with arms and legs is something anyone can do,” he says. “Fighting without them—that’s a challenge. But only those who take on challenges and fight through them are truly alive.”
Amputees back on the frontlines
Ukraine’s army now includes hundreds of amputee soldiers. The country estimates that around 380,000 troops have been wounded since the war began. Many of them refuse to stay in hospital beds while their comrades continue the fight. They know the stakes are too high. Russia has captured nearly 20% of Ukraine and continues its offensive. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, these wounded warriors are returning to battle. They adapt. They overcome. They prove that the war has not defeated them.
Maksym Vysotskyi’s relentless comeback
Maksym Vysotskyi, 42, lost his left leg to a Russian landmine in 2023. But the injury didn’t stop him. Last spring, he returned to the frontlines, ready to fight once more. He now leads a team that operates explosive-laden drones on nighttime missions. His unit strikes Russian forces and targets key Kremlin energy facilities. Despite his injury, he remains a threat to the enemy. For Vysotskyi, coming back was about more than just fighting. “You need to come out of this not as someone broken by war and written off,” he says. “You need to prove that they tried to break you, but they couldn’t.” His words sum up the mindset of Ukraine’s amputee soldiers—survivors who refuse to surrender.
Oleksandr Zhalinskyi’s will to survive
Oleksandr Zhalinskyi, 34, was the sole survivor of a Russian rocket attack in 2023. The blast severed his arm and wiped out his entire infantry company. Bleeding heavily, he forced himself to walk miles to an evacuation point. His only thought was seeing his family again. That determination kept him alive. Though he could no longer fight on the frontlines, he found another way to serve. Now, he evaluates missions and plans safe evacuation routes for his comrades. He dreams of a future beyond war. One day, he hopes to open a bar in his hometown. He already has a name picked out—“Amputated Conscience.” It’s a reminder of everything he endured and a tribute to those who didn’t make it back.
The support of allies
The world is taking notice of Ukraine’s wounded warriors. Last Friday, retired US Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg visited Irpin Military Hospital. He met with 20 Ukrainian amputees, half of whom plan to return to battle. They believe that with modern prosthetics and an unbreakable spirit, they can still fight for their country. Their resilience is inspiring. Their courage is undeniable. Even in the face of overwhelming loss, they remain dedicated to Ukraine’s survival.
The Fight Continues
These soldiers have no desire to die in battle. They fight for a future where Ukraine is free from Russian aggression. They fight so that one day, they can go home. Despite their injuries, they are not broken. Instead, they have become symbols of strength, perseverance, and the unyielding spirit of Ukraine. The war has taken their limbs, but it has not taken their will to fight. Russia may wound them, but it cannot destroy them.
