Історія 9
Pavlo and Kateryna
- Veteran of the 72nd Mechanized Brigade
- Now studying at Lviv’s Danylo Halytsky National Medical University
Pavlo’s life had been shaped around medicine long before the war. He grew up in Bila Tserkva, studied at the local medical college, worked as a paramedic on an ambulance crew, and by 2020 was teaching soldiers how to save each other in the field.
When the full-scale invasion began, he was among the first to volunteer. For three years he defended Donetsk and Kherson regions with the 72nd Mechanized Brigade “Black Zaporozhians,” serving as a senior combat medic.
In 2023, near Vuhledar, while evacuating wounded brothers-in-arms, Pavlo stepped on a mine.
He gave himself first aid on the ground but lost a third of his right lower leg. After rehabilitation, he returned to his unit as a drone strike mechanic.
Pavlo jokes that he is now a pirate, with what he calls his “steel leg.” The humor sits on top of something serious: he runs, cycles, competes in triathlons, recently finished a half-marathon.
After the Hug for Heroes program, Pavlo started his studies at Lviv’s Danylo Halytsky National Medical University. He wants to become a surgeon and to return to people their hope.
steel leg
Pavlo and Kateryna
