Ilya “Lom” is a Belarusian volunteer who has been helping Ukraine and Belarusians both on the front line and in the rear since 2022. After injuries, he needs support to recover his health and repair his legendary van, which has saved lives and helped hundreds of people.
Five years ago, millions of Belarusians took to the streets for freedom and the future of our country. I was among them. My life reflects this journey: 2020 – Minsk, 2021 – Lithuania, 2022 – Ukraine, 2025 – my third emigration.
In November 2022, I came to Ukraine and joined the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment. At first, I worked as a mechanic, repairing vehicles. Two months later, I became a driver, delivering ammunition, weapons, food, gear, and vehicles to Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kramatorsk, and Chasiv Yar. In four weeks, I drove nearly 15,000 kilometers.
From February 2023, I became a medevac driver, when the Regiment’s medical company was just being formed. My destinations were Chasiv Yar, Minkivka, Orikhiv, and Bakhmut. That’s where I suffered a concussion. In the medevac, I worked both as a driver and as a mechanic: I upgraded vehicles, repaired them, helped the wounded, and carried out the fallen.
From June 2023, I served in the UAV unit of the “Volat” Battalion. My positions were the Bakhmut Canal and the Kharkiv region. There I sustained serious injuries to my shoulder and knee. After surgery in Kyiv – with four bolts in my shoulder – I can move and live again. I left to recover physically and mentally and to start rebuilding a peaceful life.
Many people know me by my Volkswagen Transporter van, which helped me help others. It was always there when Belarusians needed assistance – driving everywhere, from the Minsk Stela and Okrestina to Vilnius, Grunwald, Chasiv Yar, Kostiantynivka, Zolochiv, and Kharkiv. Now I am asking for your support to recover myself and bring my faithful companion and helper back to life.
Fundraising goal
€3600
€1800 – housing for 6 months
€1800 – food for 6 months
I would also like to restore my loyal companion that has been with me all these years – my Volkswagen Transporter van. The repair will cost around €2000 more. Therefore, I am asking you not to pass by and to help me raise a bit more, around €5000–€6000, so that there is enough both for my recovery and for my helper!