The farmers were almost finishing their work (fertilising the land), and nothing that day indicated any danger. During the explosion, Oleksandr was seriously injured – he lost part of his leg. His colleague died on the spot.

The farm director’s wife is a doctor. She provided first aid, and Oleksandr was taken to hospital in time. Since then, the man has been learning to live with a prosthesis. And even more: Oleksandr returned to work in the same team. Although he is an engineer by profession, he continues to work on the land and grow wheat.

The interview with Oleksandr was recorded during a course of physical rehabilitation and psychological recovery at a sanatorium in Zakarpattia provided by the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation. The story of this man is an example of the resilience and courage that many Ukrainians are exhibiting in these difficult times.