The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
Before the war — compulsory service in the Ministry of Emergency Situations, work abroad, and when the invasion began — he signed a contract without hesitation
His story was published on the page of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
He received the callsign “Nimets” (“German”) not because of his origin.
“The guys came up with it themselves. They say — it’s short and clear. And probably because I’m quiet”, — the man smiles.
At first, he was a regular infantryman, and later became a combat medic.
“No one is born a medic. One day the captain gave me a stack of books and said: ‘Learn. And you’ll train on those in the ward’. That’s how it started”, — Andrii recalls.
In the Donetsk region, he went through everything — fire, evacuations, losses.
“There are things you don’t want to remember. When you pull out a brother-in-arms — burned, with torn limbs. You don’t forget that. But I always pulled out my guys. We left no one behind”, — says “Nimets”.
Between battles, he rescued not only people — even cats. He stitched up a paw for one. Then the cat left — which meant it healed.
War leaves scars — not only on the body, but on the soul. Everyone carries their burden silently but continues to stand, knowing — brothers-in-arms have their back.
According to Andrii, he tries to hold on. Because he must. The guys rely on him. He says his comrades have become closer than relatives.
“In civilian life, friends won’t always come to help. But here — always. We survived together, and we stand together. A brother-in-arms is someone you can trust with your life”, — the medic said.
At home, “Nimets” is awaited by his wife and 12-year-old daughter.
“She knows where I am. When I come home, I don’t let her out of my arms. And when I leave — she doesn’t see me off. It’s easier that way”, — Andrii said.
