Hero of Ukraine explained why he regretted not dying.

Hero of Ukraine shared his participation in the war in Luhansk

Ilya Zheved, a reconnaissance sapper of the "Rubizh" brigade, became a Hero of Ukraine for his courage and bravery in the battle against Russian invaders in Luhansk. In an interview with the TV channel "Army TV", Zheved shared his experience and talked about receiving wounds and why he regretted not dying.

This story happened when Zheved was serving in the National Guard, and his unit was defending Rubizhne in Luhansk. They were stationed near Kurdiumivka on the Bakhmut line, where they were under assault. During one of the bombardments, Zheved was wounded.

"I jumped into a trench, then an explosion, black dust rose. I wanted to get out but realized I couldn't feel my legs. I thought: 'That's it, Ilyushka, you have no legs.' Then: 'Wait, how am I standing?'. The dust dissipates, I look at my right leg, it's intact. Well, great. I look at my left, and it’s all torn apart – fingers are sticking out in different directions. And I'm leaning on the trench like that. Well, I think, there is nothing terrible in principle, no fingers – not a problem," - said Ilya Zheved.

The damaged foot had to be amputated, but Zheved quickly recovered and received a special prosthesis. After the recovery process, he returned to fulfilling his duties again.

"When I was wounded, I was even slightly upset that I didn't die. If I had died – there's Valhalla, the brothers-in-arms having tea. Material issues wouldn't concern me at all. You are already in the higher world, you have already done something cool. You know, there is a T-shirt with the inscription: 'Heroes don't die, they go to heaven for regrouping'. So I would be waiting for my regrouping for the next mission. I was ready to carry it out for Ukraine and the development of humanity," - emphasized Ilya Zheved.

This story of Zheved serves as a great example of dedication and heroism. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky also recognized this bravery and signed a decree to provide housing to heroes.