A Belarusian volunteer who served in the International Legion and the 79th Air Assault Brigade is now facing serious difficulties after returning to civilian life: a broken arm, no housing, and an inability to work. The fundraiser will cover medical treatment and basic living expenses.
Hello. I am a former Belarusian volunteer who took part in combat operations as part of the 2nd International Legion and the 79th Separate Air Assault Brigade.
After the war in Ukraine began in 2022, I went through a very difficult internal period. It was hard for me to accept that Belarus had become a territory through which Russian troops were moving, while many people around me continued living as if nothing had happened. At that moment, I decided to go as a volunteer and fight on the side of Ukraine.
What I remember most is not the combat episodes themselves, but the attitude of ordinary Ukrainian soldiers. Every time they learned that I was Belarusian, they sincerely asked why I was there. Those conversations and their words of support helped both me and the people around me cope with fear and doubt.
One of the hardest moments happened during a mission when our position came under fire and we suffered losses. We had to retreat and return to the checkpoint under fire. In that moment the exhaustion, lack of sleep, and constant responsibility for the people around me were especially overwhelming. Yet even then I remember the human solidarity: at the checkpoint, when Ukrainian soldiers learned that Belarusian volunteers had difficulties with documents, they said: “Tell us which petition to sign — we’ll sign it with the whole battalion.” I still remember those words.
Over time, the constant lack of sleep and heavy workload began to seriously affect both my physical and mental health. I realized that in such a condition I could no longer responsibly lead or protect others, and I made the difficult decision to leave the war.
After returning to civilian life, it took me a long time to adapt. Eventually, health problems that had started during my service began to worsen. During difficult moments I faced refusals of help and a strong feeling of loneliness. However, over the past year I have met people who gradually restored my faith in humanity and my desire to move forward.
Right now I find myself in a very difficult life situation. Recently I broke my arm, lost my housing, and temporarily lost the ability to work and support myself.
At the time of the injury, I did not have valid medical insurance in Poland — my document had expired, and despite appealing to the authorities, a new one was not issued in time. Because of this, I was refused treatment under the NFZ public healthcare system. My insurance related to my refugee status had also expired by that time. As a result, I had to pay all medical expenses myself.
In addition, after participating in combat operations I developed kidney-related health problems, which makes it important for me to stay in a warm place and undergo necessary rehabilitation. Because my working arm is fractured, I currently cannot earn money or cover my basic expenses.
Your support will help me recover and get back on my feet.
Fundraising Goal
€2000
€850 – doctor’s appointment, emergency room treatment, plaster cast, and X-ray examination
€800 – temporary housing while I am unable to work
€350 – necessary medication and food