The story of a wounded soldier evacuated from Mariupol/Channel 24 collage
The evacuation of wounded defenders from Azovstal is heroic and has no analogues in the world. History will tell for centuries about a secret operation, how Ukrainian helicopters, under fire from the sky, land and sea, landed on the territory of the plant and took away wounded soldiers from there. One of them is Michael. He volunteered to fly to the besieged Mariupol and was evacuated from there already wounded.
- 1 Conversation with a wounded defender evacuated from Mariupol: watch the video
- 2 I had to go to Mariupol, but because of the subpoenas I could not: for the first 2 months Mikhail fought in the Kiev region
- 3This was the first flight that fighters flew in support of their brothers in the blocked Mariupol.
- 4 I saw how my grandfather was shot dead, who was walking for water: about street fighting and Mariupol was destroyed
- 5When I was wounded, I was thrown into the basement, I lay and saw my legs, holes
- 6I did not want to fly back, but I understood that the situation only worsened with the wound
- 7Sisters from Azovstal gave a birthday surprise when I was in the hospital
- 8As soon as I recover, I plan to fight further – we must kick out the enemy
- 9The regiment commander, the guys from Azovstal are iron people
Mariupol and Azovstal have become a stronghold for our defenders. When the city and hundreds of kilometers of surrounding territory were occupied by enemy troops, Ukrainian soldiers courageously held the line. Unfortunately, at the cost of their own lives and health.
In the spring, helicopters made seven sorties to Mariupol at night and at very low altitudes in order to bypass Russian air defenses. They brought weapons, medicines, food, water to the defenders and took away the wounded soldiers.
We managed to talk with Mikhail, a soldier who was evacuated from Azovstal. His story is amazing – the defender volunteered to fly to the occupied Mariupol to help his brethren, the regiment. However, during the fighting in the city he received a complex wound. Then he was evacuated to the territory controlled by Ukraine. Both flights were successful.
For security reasons, we do not release personal information about Mikhail and do not show his face.
Conversation with a wounded defender evacuated from Mariupol: watch the video
Mikhail is an experienced fighter of the Mariupol Defenders Regiment. He joined the regiment in 2015. In particular, in August he volunteered for ATEK (a plant in Kyiv where the military had a base for training), where he took a course for a young soldier. And already in September he joined the regiment and trained in depth. Mikhail served until 2018, and then retired for family reasons.
However, on the morning of February 24, he returned to the regiment again, to his brothers. Once he promised them that he would definitely return if there was an aggravation. First, Mikhail, along with other veterans of the regiment, defended the Kiev region, and then flew to the blocked Mariupol as a volunteer.
Conversation with Mikhail, the evacuated defender/Photo by Anastasia Zazulyak, Channel 24
I had to go to Mariupol, but because of the subpoenas I could not: for the first 2 months Mikhail fought in the Kiev region
How did the war start on February 24?
On February 24, I immediately contacted my people and had to go to Mariupol. But I received 2 summonses from my “beautiful” military registration and enlistment office. While I was dealing with them, the train to Mariupol left, and I did not have time to leave. Therefore, he went to where all the soldiers of the regiment gather. People who were going to defend Kyiv, the Kyiv region, had already gathered there.The summons arrived somewhere on February 22 or 23. We were gathered at the military registration and enlistment office to see how many people would gather. But then I told them: “Guys, I have a summons from the regiment. Everyone, be healthy.”
As far as I know, many of our regiment did the same. I really didn’t like the military registration and enlistment office why they gathered us. Something like that, you know, just for statistics. That's why I went to mine. My work has already begun there.
Which direction were you on?
Since the beginning of the war, I have been in the Kiev region for about 2 months – these are Bucha, Moshchun, Goryanka. So the beginning of this new wave caught me there.
How hard was the fight there for you?
Well, a little hard were young fighters, not yet fired upon. There was a lot of artillery in Moshchun and everyone had to be watched, because a person who does not know that this can make the wrong choice and can be lost. But it was more or less normal, even quite good – the guys accepted the “art”.
In the Kyiv region, it was a successful special operation, because you managed to drive out the Russian troops.
There were many units involved in the battles. I think it was such a joint work of all.
This is exactly in Kyiv. Then we went to “Azovstal”.
This was the first flight that fighters flew in support of their brethren to the blocked Mariupol.
How did you end up on Azovstal and Mariupol?
Beautiful (laughs) .
Helicopter used to evacuate soldiers from Azovstal/Screenshot
We were told that something might be planned to save our guys.
Then selected volunteers, including people with good combat experience. And selected a certain number of people. We were offered on a voluntary basis who wants to go to Mariupol. Many people volunteered, more than got there. This is because a certain number of people could fly to Azovstal.
We didn't know how we would get there. We were taken out of Kyiv in a certain direction. There we were warned how we would get to Mariupol, and the next morning there was already a flight.
It was one of the first flights, as I understand it?
This is the first flight when people have already flown in support, as far as I know. Whether he was the first in general or not, I will not say, because I have no information. I know that our group was one of the first to fly to Mariupol.
This is a very courageous step – to decide to fly to help the brothers, realizing that the territory around the city is occupied, the guys are under siege and there is no way to break through to them. How did you feel and why did you make this decision for yourself?
We were warned how this could end. There was no one there who didn't know what could happen. Everyone knew everything.
Why did you leave?
- Firstly, I made a promise to my people that if there is an aggravation or a new conflict, then I will return. But it didn’t work out for me – the stars were so aligned that in the first days I didn’t get to Mariupol.
- Secondly, all my brothers were there. It's not just brothers, it's more like a family. I don’t know how to convey it – everyone was friendly there.
Did you keep in touch with the defenders in Mariupol?
When I was still in Kyiv, no one got in touch with the guys, because they didn’t have him, they jammed him very hard. They also damaged the infrastructure, so the connection was either there or not. But when the opportunity arose, in general, we maintained some kind of connection. You see, the Kyiv region also had enough work.
Of course, no one said that they would fly or go to Mariupol.
But the guys were delighted when I arrived (laughs) . Many didn't even expect it. Yes, and they needed help – a certain BC, medicines, etc.
Therefore, there were many who wanted to fly. I won’t say that there was a sea of them, but there are many who wanted to, although they didn’t get there.
Perhaps I will now a very cruel but true phrase – many military men who go to the front line in places where heavy fighting continues understand that every day, minutes seconds, can die. That is, you consciously go with the understanding that you may not return. Did you also have this understanding and feeling?
Yes. Of course, a person can generally analyze what is happening …
Everyone understood that they were flying to the blocked Mariupol and what would happen next – no one knew. That is, we knew that we should come there. Then everyone understood that no matter what happened, everyone stays there.
How did you feel emotionally in Mariupol at that time? On the one hand, you understand that you are in such a hot spot of the war, and on the other hand, as you have already said, you have come to your very dear people.
I was glad to see everyone, glad that the guys were alive. But there wasn't enough time to show any emotion. There was a lot of work and very little time to sleep. It often happened that a person was injured and you have to replace him – whether you slept or not.
Is there any good moment from that time that you can remember? Or a particularly memorable story?
There are many stories, there is nothing for children to tell (laughs). Perhaps the best thing was when I arrived and met my brethren. They were glad to see me, and I was glad to see them.
I saw how my grandfather was shot while walking for water: about street fighting and destroyed Mariupol
You were not in Mariupol were everyone time, but during this period, during these days, what was the most difficult? What fights or moments were the most difficult for you?
I dont know. For me it's a little different. The military in this situation sees and analyzes a little differently.
I, for example, had very little experience of participating in urban battles. Therefore, the first 2 days were very unusual, but I would not say that they were difficult. This is a different battlefield. The city is a completely different battlefield compared to the village, forest, field. There are many more points from where you can be hit, the situation is changing very quickly.
It was still a little wild to look at the fact that you were walking along the streets, and civilian corpses were lying everywhere, there were pits from air bombs, stacked, burned home.
Mariupol destroyed by the Russians/Photo of the regiment defenders of the city
It was also wild that civilians in Mariupol were already accustomed to the war and some of them behaved as if nothing was happening.
But I don’t know if there was any difficulty … Maybe the military they just adapt very quickly. Moreover, I already had combat experience, and it was much easier for me.
You mentioned civilians. How much more difficult did they make it for you to fight in the city while staying there?
Complicated, that's for sure. Some civilians could just walk around during the fighting, as if nothing was happening. And you have to shout to them or say that you can’t go there, there is a fight.
There were cases when people just went to themselves like “it's okay”, and they were killed.
I myself saw how my grandfather went for water to some pump room , he was told to go around 3 blocks, they would let him through there. But he went straight ahead and was shot. Unfortunately, it was not possible to evacuate or help him, he no longer moved.
Did the civilians help or hinder you more?
In those places where I was, they were afraid to provide us with any informational assistance. But in general, there were people who worried a lot and helped – they would bring hot coffee, then food. Therefore, in general, people were loyal to the Ukrainian soldiers.
At the same time, people who were, let's say, disloyal to us, did not give themselves away. We were warned that they also exist and there are many of them. How much, I don't know. That's why we were told to be careful.
Has Mariupol itself changed a lot?
The city has changed a lot, it was simply unrecognizable. It seems the same streets, but everywhere everything burned down, broken. The roads are full of holes from artillery and air bombs.
When I got to Azovstal, I saw craters from thin air bombs. I had the impression that it could fly well.
The Russians were constantly shelling Azovstal from all sides/Screenshot
In case of injury I was thrown into the basement, I lay and saw my legs, holes
How did you get injured, under what circumstances did this happen?
< p>They wounded me in the morning when we were supposed to evacuate the 200th and 300th.
It is not known for sure, but we had such a position where the artillery could not shoot, because we were behind the houses, and mortars too . But drones fly over us. So we hid and got people off the streets. However, under certain circumstances, shelling began – I think it was either a drone or something like that. Arta couldn't finish it off, because the walls of the building stood in such a way that it was impossible to transfer them.
First, my colleague was wounded, he was dragged to the front door to provide medical assistance. I took his weapon. There were also people on the street, and I told them to go to cover. Then shelling began and 4 more soldiers were wounded.
And it wounded me – it flew in about 3 meters from me. I felt myself thrown and thrown into the basement. It was so strong that I fell down and saw my legs, holes in my pants. I immediately thought about them: “Where can I get new pants?” (laughs).And then I saw that blood was flowing, and began to provide medical assistance.
To themselves?
Yes, in each unit normally teach personal medicine, self-care. Without this, warriors do not live long. Because it is very useful.
What kind of injury do you have?
Injury to two knees. From a small one – a finger has been struck, but this is already it.
I gave myself first aid, went to my people on the radio, they also went down to the basement. My brothers checked me and I continued to provide medical care myself, while they took care of other guys. Unfortunately, one did not survive, he died of critical bleeding.
How were you evacuated from this point to Azovstal? And how was the treatment in the hospital, how were medics in the circumstances in which you were able to help you in the bunkers of the plant?
I didn’t visit much at Azovstal, because today I was conditionally wounded, and tomorrow I was evacuated. We were taken from there on armor, taken to some basement. As I understand it, it was still at Azovstal. I lay in this bunker until the morning, and then we were evacuated.
Wounded soldiers in the Azovstal bunkers/Photo courtesy of the Mariupol Defenders Regiment
Were there many wounded with you in this field hospital? And with what kind of injuries – severe or different?
There were about 50 people in the room where I was.
Injuries are different – and amputations, and gunshot wounds, and mine-explosive injuries.
At that time, doctors still had a conditionally sufficient amount of medicines – painkillers, antibiotics?
I don’t know for sure, but there were medicines, there was painkillers, there was also something to immobilize wounds. They did all this for me and I was waiting for the evacuation.I didn’t want to fly back, but I understood that the situation only worsened with the wound
Were all the wounded soldiers evacuated from your room in the bunker? And how did the evacuation take place?
I don't know for sure, but it looks like everyone was evacuated. There were several guys that I saw and who were already flying with me.
In the morning we were loaded into cars, brought to the point, from there they were reloaded into helicopters, and we took off.
Preparation and everything went on for about 2 hours maximum.
Why did you agree to the evacuation? In fact, this is a very difficult, emotional moment – the Russians were already shooting down our planes then. And you probably understood that you were taking a very big risk.
I didn't want to fly back at all. But I understood that with such an injury, the situation would only worsen, because I would need to be treated, fed, and taken care of. Yes, and I could not move on my own. Therefore, the question was no longer there.
As for the danger of evacuation, I think that this is a lesser danger than lying somewhere in a bunker and just waiting for someone to come for you , or the guys will have to pull you out, take care of you. This is an extra burden.
When you boarded the evacuation helicopter, how did it feel?
I don't know for sure. But, perhaps, like the first time, they are strange. There was no relief, but I understood that something was already going somewhere, something was happening, and maybe it was for the better.
Who was evacuated with you ?
The seriously wounded were also evacuated with me – there were guys who were lying down, there were those who could sit, but with severe wounds of the upper limbs. Miscellaneous…
How many people were then – no information. I know that 15 people seem to fit into the Mi-8. That's all I can say.
When you arrived in Ukrainian-controlled territory, did you breathe a sigh of relief?
Well, basically, yes. The first thing I told the ER doctor was to go to the casino. I think that for me to fly there to Mariupol and get out of there is a very big luck.
Do you consider yourself lucky in this case?
I don't even know how to interpret this. What happened happened. So it should be.
Mikhail told us about the evacuation from Mariupol and the wounds/Photo by Anastasia Zazulyak, Channel 24
Russian aviation felt at home in Mariupol, flew when and how it wanted. Therefore, the fact that our planes were able to enter the city and evacuate you, and more than once, is an operation that has no analogues in the world. She will definitely go down in history.
As the blind man said: “We'll see.”
Brothers from Azovstal made a birthday surprise when he was in the hospital
When you were here, in safety, did you continue to communicate with the guys who remained at Azovstal?
Yes, there was a connection then. The guys even managed to call me on my birthday at the hospital and congratulate me. It was very cool.
It was the evening of April 27, everyone greeted me all day. And then mine calls, I think: “Wow.” I take the phone, and they also congratulated me on the video. They also said that I was lucky.
It's so cute! And very motivating in such cases. It is important that the brethren remembered your day, being at Azovstal, in those terrible conditions.
These remember, that's for sure.
What was the atmosphere at Azovstal between you military men?
We arrived at Azovstal when half of the city was under the control of the regiment, Ukrainian troops. And at that time we fought in the city.
Azovstal was a citadel. I was only there when I arrived and left.
Did you have enough weapons at that time? Food?
Food, in principle, was. I ate chocolates for almost a week because there was no time. The guys were cooking, there was something. I won’t say that it was right with the mountain, but there was some kind of food – somewhere worse, somewhere better, but then no one died of hunger. And the fact that something was missing there is already such a thing.
In addition to the military, there were civilians in the bunkers of the plant. Did you cross paths with them, communicate?
I saw civilians, but we didn't cross paths much. I was very little at Azovstal, because I was in the city all the time.
Did you have contact with civilians in the city?
< p>So many. In the houses that we defended, for which there were normal battles, there were civilians almost everywhere in the basements. There was no problem for the Russians to drive up under this house and simply lower some kind of front, first floor from the tank. This is normal for them.
When I recover, I plan to fight further – they must drive the enemy out
< strong>How do you feel now? How long has your treatment, rehabilitation been going on, and how long do you still need?
The treatment lasted about a month and a half, I think. He walked on crutches and very badly, it was a parody of walking. Here (in the rehabilitation center – channel 24) they took me very cool and quickly. First I threw out one crutch, then another. Although, I left that other one.
But now you are without her.
Without her. She made me so sick that I'm going to blow her up (laughs) .
And how did your family react to the fact that you agreed to go to Mariupol? How did they perceive the wounds?
I did not tell anyone about Mariupol. I just warned that I would be gone for a while and I would have a bad connection, all that. Mother guessed because she knows me well. But twice I was able to contact her from Mariupol. I didn't tell anyone else.
Mom didn't know I was injured until I more or less got back on my feet and realized that I would be able to walk and run normally. Then I already told her.
How did Mom react? Indeed, in such cases, relatives are very worried, and at the same time very angry that you did not tell them earlier.
I think this was not an innovation for my mother. She is like a partisan. She was worried, but I told her that everything had already healed, I was walking, because everything was fine.
We also wish you to get well soon so that everything is fine. NowYou are as safe as possible, recovering. What do you plan to do next?
Fight further.
Do you want to return to the regiment?< /p>
I think so.
Have you spoken to anyone about this yet?
But the guys call me and ask: “When are you coming?” There are no options here, we must drive the enemy out. Just like that.
Isn't it difficult for you morally to think about the need to return to active hostilities again?
No.
This is very strong and very important.
Most of our guys are like that. I will not speak for everyone, but what I have seen is that most of the wounded who can return want to return. These are the guys from our regiment and other units.
The regiment commander, the guys from Azovstal are iron people
You know, the operation that continued in Mariupol, all the battles are very heroic events, they will definitely go down in history. They will be talked about for 100 and 200 years for sure. And all our defenders, including you, are all heroes. In fact. These words may sound very high to you, but they are.
I don't know how to react to this (smiles and thinks). I know that the guys from Azovstal, my brothers and the regiment commander (Denis Prokopenko “Radis – Channel 24”) – they are just iron. Iron people. No Russia or anyone else can do anything with them, because there are no weapons against a free man.
This is true. Thanks to them and our other defenders, we have the opportunity now to sit here and talk with you. Because they held and hold the front, firmly.
By the way, before the evacuation of all our defenders from Azovstal, did any of the guys get in touch with you? What was their mood?
I wish the guys would return as soon as possible.
Before the evacuation, my colleague got in touch. I did not yet know that they would be withdrawn, because there was no specifics. He said something in a nutshell and said that he couldn’t say anything more now, so we’ll talk later.
Now I have to wait for this conversation.
Yes.
And finally, what do you dream about?
Oh, a lot of dreams, very a lot of. Of these planned ones, of course, family, home, everything is like everyone else.
Mikhail, defender of Mariupol/Photo by Anastasia Zazulyak, Channel 24
