Ukraine: “I never knew if I would come back alive” — a mine victim's story of resilience

At the gate of a modest one-story house in the village of Tamaryne, we meet Oleksandr, 47, and his wife, Tetiana*. Once bustling with life, their yard held eight bulls, two cows, and even 18 cats. When the village was occupied, the couple fled with their daughter, grandmother, and two large dogs, leaving everything behind. Upon returning home in November 2023, they found an unexploded rocket in the yard. Their animals were gone, and one of their dogs was left behind, in dire condition.

As we step inside their home, Oleksandr, with a hint of bitterness, asks us to overlook their circumstances. He recounts the devastation: shattered furniture, a potbellied stove destroyed, and personal belongings looted. After such trials, his only solace came from his work - driving a tractor, his true passion.

Returning to the fields

For over thirty years, Oleksandr has driven tractors, earning numerous awards in Mykolaiv Oblast competitions. But as the time for fieldwork approached, fear gripped Oleksandr and his fellow drivers. Despite assurances that the land was safe, the dread of hidden explosives loomed large.

"You drive into a field overgrown with weeds, and anything could be lurking beneath. Each day was a gamble. I never knew if I would come back alive’," he reflects.

In September 2024, Oleksandr ran over two mines. His 12-ton tractor survived the blast, but shattering windows and searing heat left him injured. "I lost consciousness, and the tractor continued to move uncontrollably," he recalls.

The direction of the vehicle was pivotal for his survival; an investigation later uncovered 15 additional mines in the same area. "If I had gone in that direction, I wouldn't be here today," he says.

Medical challenges and support

Initially, Oleksandr felt no immediate consequences from the explosion - until he experienced his first seizure on November 19, a month and a half later. "My eldest daughter always said that I would never need doctors. But one day I fell and stopped breathing," he says.

The ambulance struggled to reach him due to rain and damaged roads, but a nearby military doctor provided timely assistance. The explosion left Oleksandr with paralysis on the right side of his body and frequent seizures. Medical examinations revealed a venous angioma and neuroinfection caused by immense stress.

Oleksandr was granted disability status and could no longer drive, which devastated him most of all. "It’s so frustrating. I loved my work, and it was highly valued at the enterprise," he shares.

With his income drastically reduced, the family could barely cover basic expenses and the costly medications Oleksandr needs. The high dosage and frequency of his prescriptions weigh heavily on their limited resources.

The Danish Refugee Council stepped in to help Oleksandr with the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund’s support. Together they provided funds for his medication for nine months and covered the costs of essential medical examinations.

Thanks to this support, Oleksandr has been seizure-free for some time, despite the overwhelming stress that persists.

"The windows tremble from the explosions. If I read the news, my condition is getting worse," he admits, glancing at his loyal dog, Dora. "Good thing is that she is always with me. She never leaves my side."

The toll of contamination

Mykolaiv Oblast is heavily contaminated with landmines, covering over 166 square kilometers. The Snihurivska Hromada, where Tamaryne is located, remains the most affected, with 10,000 hectares of agricultural land still dangerous to navigate. News frequently circulates about tractor drivers who encounter explosive devices.

“After me, two more tractor drivers stepped on a mine,” Oleksandr shares bitterly.

This contamination not only threatens lives but also cripples the local economy, which relies heavily on agriculture for food and income.

With each passing day, Oleksandr focuses on small victories - his health improvements, the unwavering companionship of Dora, and the hope for a safer tomorrow. He dreams of restoring his farm and returning to his beloved work.

"One day, I will cultivate the fields again," he says, determination shining in his eyes.