A Marine's Journey: Learning to Live Independently After Losing Both Arms in Combat.

Artem's Story

According to UATV: Artem, a 30-year-old marine from Mykolaiv, lost both his arms on the front lines but continues to learn how to live independently during his rehabilitation in Lviv. Known by his call sign 'Saur,' he voluntarily joined the Defense Forces of Ukraine in August 2022, serving in the 503rd Separate Marine Battalion. The tragic incident occurred on November 6, 2025, when Artem was caught in a mortar attack.

After sustaining severe injuries, his evacuation took over 12 hours. He recalls,

“It was clear the wounds were very serious. My brothers-in-arms did the absolute maximum they could—their priority was to keep me alive.”

Rehabilitation and New Challenges

Artem is now undergoing rehabilitation at the Unbroken Center in Lviv, where specialists help him adapt to new life conditions. During this process, he is learning to perform daily tasks using new technologies.

“You position yourself so Face ID works. Then you carefully tap the screen with the tip of your nose. You have to get used to it; it didn’t work the first time,”

A crucial component of his rehabilitation is occupational therapy, aimed at returning him to ordinary tasks. Krystyna Stetsko, a rehabilitation specialist, notes:

“The main goal of occupational therapy at the pre-prosthetic stage is to return a person to everyday tasks. We started with the simplest actions.”

Artem demonstrates tremendous willpower and a desire to rebuild his life, overcoming difficulties and adapting to new circumstances. His story is an example of resilience and courage that inspires others. His journey highlights the critical, long-term support needed by veterans who have suffered life-altering injuries.

Artem's story reflects not only personal challenges but also the significance of rehabilitation programs for military personnel injured during service. The Unbroken Center in Lviv and similar institutions play a vital role in the recovery process, providing support and technologies that help individuals adapt to new life conditions. The importance of such initiatives underscores society's obligation to support veterans returning from the front, helping them find new purpose in life after their injuries.