When a war escalates, the costs are far greater than what most people could ever imagine. Ruslan Serbov, a 31-year-old Ukrainian soldier, knows this all too well. In the midst of one of the fiercest conflicts of our time, he faced unimaginable pain, yet he never regretted his sacrifice for his country. On the day of his injury, a Russian anti-tank missile ripped off his left leg, but what followed was a testimony to his strength, willpower, and unshakable dedication to Ukraine’s freedom. Ahead of the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Ruslan recounts the day that would forever change his life.
A Desperate Plea: “Shoot Me, I Can’t Bear This”
When the Russian anti-tank missile struck, Ruslan’s life was forever altered. His leg was blasted off below the knee, and in the moments that followed, the excruciating pain was overwhelming. His first thought? To end the pain by asking his comrade to shoot him. “Shoot me, I can’t take it,” he begged. But his comrade simply responded, “Not today.”
In that desperate moment, Ruslan faced not only the agony of his injuries but also the harsh reality of war. Yet, even in the depths of his suffering, his resilience never wavered. Instead of focusing on death, he turned his attention to making light of the situation. “Just imagine how cool that photo would have been—me lying there holding my own leg,” he recalls with a grin.
This strange yet poignant humour encapsulates Ruslan’s spirit: a man who refuses to be defined by his injuries, but by his will to survive and protect his country.
Ruslan Serbov: A Man Who Chose to Fight for His Country
Born in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, Ruslan’s upbringing was grounded in strong family values. His parents were entrepreneurs, and he grew up with a sense of responsibility toward his country. He studied law at Kharkiv University, but as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine escalated in 2014, Ruslan knew that his true calling was to fight.
Despite initially joining the 36th Marine Brigade, Ruslan later signed up with the elite Azov Brigade, where he trained and fought for several years. His commitment to Ukraine’s freedom remained unwavering, even as the war became more complicated and dangerous. In 2022, as the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine loomed, Ruslan, despite having left the military previously, decided to rejoin the fight—this time, in the besieged city of Mariupol.
Defending Mariupol: A One-Way Ticket
When the Russians besieged Mariupol, Ruslan made the decision to return to the front lines. He understood the consequences, yet he still chose to fight alongside his comrades. The plan was simple: defend Mariupol or die trying. “I realized it would be a one-way ticket, but I had to help,” he explains.
On April 5, 2022, Ruslan embarked on a dangerous helicopter flight from Kyiv to Mariupol. The mission was high-risk, and the group knew they were likely to be shot down. But despite the fear, Ruslan never hesitated. Once in Mariupol, he joined his former Azov Brigade comrades, where the intense battles against Russian forces would soon test his limits.
The Day Everything Changed: Losing His Leg
On May 16, 2022, after weeks of relentless fighting, Ruslan was positioned on a raised platform, defending the steelworks. It was there that the Russian anti-tank missile struck, sending shockwaves through his body. The missile was guided directly at him, and within seconds, his left leg was severed clean off just below the knee.
As he sat there, blood pouring from the wound, Ruslan thought his end had come. His body weak from blood loss, he shouted for his comrade to end his suffering. But instead, his comrade applied a tourniquet, saving his life. The pain was unbearable, but Ruslan fought on, even as the world around him seemed to fall apart. The explosion had sent his leg flying 100 metres away, and despite his comrade’s best efforts to find it, the leg was never recovered.
Prisoner of War: Surviving the Impossible
After the brutal battle for Mariupol ended, Ruslan was taken as a Prisoner of War by the Russians. For weeks, he was held in a makeshift hospital, where his leg became severely infected. The rotting flesh and constant pain seemed to offer no hope, but Ruslan’s resilience kept him alive.
Eventually, in a prisoner exchange, Ruslan was freed on June 29, 2022, alongside 120 other Ukrainian soldiers. Upon his release, he weighed just 10 stone—his weight had plummeted from 13.5 stone due to weeks of inadequate food and medical care.
The Road to Recovery: Prosthetics and Strength
Ruslan’s recovery was nothing short of extraordinary. After undergoing six surgeries to address his injuries, he was fitted with prosthetic limbs. Despite only having one leg, Ruslan’s strength and determination allowed him to run, train, and even skip in the gym. His prosthetics are custom-made for different activities, allowing him to live a fulfilling and active life.
Now, Ruslan has transitioned into civilian life, running his own business and training young soldiers. Despite his painful past, he focuses on the future, helping to shape the next generation of defenders of Ukraine.
No Regrets: A Soldier’s Perspective on Sacrifice
When asked if he regrets his decision to fight in Mariupol, Ruslan’s answer is clear: “No, never.” He does not see himself as a hero, but simply as someone who did his duty. He believes that, despite the immense personal sacrifice, his actions were necessary. “If I could go back, I would make the same choice,” he says. “I would just make sure I had a better sight for my gun, so I could take out even more enemy soldiers.”
The Importance of Continued Support for Ukraine
While Ruslan’s personal journey is one of survival, his story speaks to a much larger issue: the ongoing fight for Ukraine’s freedom. He believes that Ukraine’s allies need to do more to help, providing weapons, ammunition, and financial support to continue pushing back against Russian aggression.
Ruslan’s sacrifice, and the sacrifices of millions of Ukrainians, are not just for Ukraine, but for the future of Europe and the world. As he says, “Russian imperialism will not stop with Ukraine.”
Conclusion: The Heroism of Everyday Soldiers
Ruslan Serbov’s story is a powerful reminder of the unfathomable courage required in times of war. It’s about more than just fighting for a country—it’s about fighting for something greater than yourself. The price of freedom is high, but for Ruslan, there is no regret.
The people of Ukraine continue to fight not just for their own future, but for the future of the world. And as long as there are soldiers like Ruslan Serbov, there’s hope.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
- Ukrainian Military Heroes: Stories of Courage and Sacrifice
- The Role of Prosthetics in Recovery from War
- Ukraine’s Struggle Against Russian Aggression
- Prisoner of War Experiences: What It’s Like to Be Held Captive
Photo credit: The Global and Mail
