Despite Losing a Leg to Shelling, a Volunteer Continues Her Rescue Work in Kherson.

The Situation in Kherson

According to UATV: The city of Kherson remains under severe strain due to relentless shelling by Russian occupying forces. Amidst this danger, volunteer Nuriia Velieva, who lost her own leg in an attack, continues to aid local residents while planning her rehabilitation. Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience of those enduring the war's brutal consequences. The city has been a focal point of the conflict since its liberation in late 2022, yet attacks on civilians have not ceased.

On March 5, Russian shelling killed a 79-year-old man in Kherson, highlighting the persistent threat faced by people in the region. Nuriia Velieva herself became a victim on January 28 when a shell struck her home. She recalls the sudden moment of the attack:

'I didn't even understand what happened. I was thrown to the floor. I hit my head and was just lying there. I tried to lift myself up and saw I couldn't get up. When I saw my leg, just torn off, I started screaming to call an ambulance, that I had no leg.' Nuriia Velieva

Injuries and Their Toll

The human cost in the region is stark. In February 2026 alone, 171 people in Kherson Oblast suffered mine-blast injuries, including 14 children. Tragically, 13 people died from these incidents. Furthermore, 65 individuals were injured in Russian drone attacks, four of them fatally.

Despite her grievous injury, Nuriia Velieva maintains a determined optimism. She reflects:

'I received this wound. Of course, I don't know why this happened to me, but I understand it's wartime... No one is safe from this, right? Well, I'm not giving in to despair.' Nuriia Velieva

Unaccustomed to a quiet life, she finds it difficult to remain still: 'I was always running around, I'm not used to lying down. Even for me now, it's hard to stay in one place.'

The volunteer draws inspiration from others who have overcome severe hardships. 'I see videos of people getting up on prosthetics, on treadmills, and our Paralympians. Well, people live, which means I will live,' she states, outlining her plans for recovery.

The situation in Kherson remains dire, yet the courage and resolve of people like Nuriia Velieva bear witness to an unbreakable spirit in the face of war's aftermath. The city is enduring a profoundly difficult period marked by constant shelling and civilian casualties. These events underscore not only the scale of the humanitarian crisis but also the critical need to support victims as they adapt to new realities. Stories like Nuriia's demonstrate the formidable strength of the human spirit in the struggle for survival and renewal, serving as a reminder of society's duty to aid those wounded by war with the necessary rehabilitation and support for reintegration.