The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
Andrii, known by the callsign “Student,” met the beginning of the full-scale war in his native Berdiansk. He had just turned 20 and was completing his training as a pastry chef. However, instead of working in a kitchen, Andrii had to learn what life under occupation is.
His story was published on the page of the 43rd Separate Mechanized Brigade.
For three months Andrii remained in the occupied city until he made an important decision — to leave for Ukrainian-controlled territory.
The path to the army wasn’t immediate; he had to spend time arranging documents. Once the formalities were settled, at the beginning of 2023 Andrii signed a contract and joined the ranks of the 43rd Brigade.
Today, the 23-year-old sergeant is not too eager to recall his direct combat experience, briefly noting that “nothing really stuck”.
His main mission now is to share knowledge. He is an instructor who teaches soldiers tactical medicine.
“The most important thing is to train a serviceman so that they know how to provide first aid. This increases their chances of survival”, — Andrii says.
Being an instructor requires not only knowledge but significant composure. Andrii says that he has to find an individual approach to each soldier, which requires serious psychological preparation.
His motivation has remained unchanged since day one: he wants to liberate Ukrainian lands and his native city. Despite his young age, he already clearly sees his future after Victory.
He is not planning to leave the army; instead, he wants to obtain an officer’s rank and work in the field of moral and psychological support.
“‘Student,’ who once dreamed of making desserts, now skillfully teaches how to save lives and builds plans for a professional military career in a new, free Ukraine”, — the brigade noted.
