That autumn, during combat in the Donetsk region, an FPV drone struck his position. Viktor lost both legs. After dozens of surgeries across Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Lviv, he began rehabilitation and was fitted with prosthetics.

Step by step, Viktor rebuilt his daily life and found a new purpose within it. He threw himself into sports: para ice hockey, kayaking, climbing, archery, and wrestling.

In time, he realised he wanted to help other veterans fight a different battle - reintegration into civilian life. Through the Hug for Heroes pilot project in Ukraine, he met Viktoriia, an athlete, instructor, and his future wife. Together they competed in a national water tourism championship, completing an 18 km route, earned the rank of candidate master of sport, and descended into the longest gypsum cave in Europe. Recently, their son Danylo was born - a new chapter in a story of love and rebuilding.

Today, Viktor leads the Veteran Development Center at Lviv State University of Physical Culture, supporting veterans through sports, education, and professional development.