Blinded in Combat, This Veteran Now Teaches at University: The Story of Oleh Avtomienko.

Oleh Avtomienko’s Military Service

According to Novyny.live: Oleh Avtomienko, a veteran of the Russo-Ukrainian war, lost his eyesight during battles in the Donbas region. Despite this life-altering injury, he successfully completed rehabilitation and now serves as a lecturer at Odesa State University of Internal Affairs. His military career began in 2014 when he joined the first wave of mobilization. In March of that year, he was offered the chance to enlist in the Armed Forces of Ukraine—an opportunity he accepted without hesitation.

In December 2014, Oleh was reassigned to a mechanized brigade, which deployed to Artemivsk (now known as Bakhmut) in February 2015. During his service, he witnessed numerous combat operations.

“A unit came to help us—a staff company reinforced with three tanks,” Oleh recalls about one phase of his deployment.

Russia’s full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, drastically escalating the conflict. Oleh took part in active fighting and was wounded on February 26, 2022, during the battle for Volnovakha. His treatment and rehabilitation took place in Ukraine, Croatia, and Poland.

“When the doctor looked and said, ‘Well, that’s it,’” the veteran recounts the moment he learned he had lost his sight.

Resilience and Adaptation

Despite these severe trials, Oleh did not break. He completed rehabilitation and now teaches at a higher education institution, sharing his experience and knowledge with younger generations.

“Once you learn to do it yourself, then you can command,” he emphasizes the importance of training and preparation in military affairs.

Oleh Avtomienko’s journey stands as a testament to resilience and courage, reminding us of the value of life and the ability to overcome hardship while reintegrating into society after war.

His story highlights the critical need for supporting veterans as they transition back to civilian life after armed conflicts. By adapting and contributing to the education of youth, he shows how personal experience and expertise can become a resource for future generations. Amid an ongoing war, such resilience matters not only for individuals but for society as a whole, helping to build a culture of remembrance and veteran support.