Ukrainian Defender Receives Housing After Captivity and Injuries
Gennady Dermanovsky, who began defending Ukraine in 2015, faced the full-scale invasion in Mariupol, where he actively participated in the city’s defense. During the battles at the Azovstal plant, he sustained severe injuries when a Russian shell struck the shelter housing Ukrainian defenders.
The attack resulted in the deaths of four soldiers, while Dermanovsky suffered fractures to seven ribs, a pneumothorax, and a serious leg injury. In late May 2022, he was ordered to surrender at the factory and spent a month in captivity, during which he lost 20 kg.
After being freed, Dermanovsky underwent treatment and rehabilitation. One of the most significant events for him was reuniting with his son, who had managed to evacuate from Mariupol at the end of April 2022. They currently reside in their own apartment, provided through a support program for defenders of Mariupol.
“It is symbolic that Azovstal was the last refuge for the defenders of Mariupol. Now, we are supported by the ‘Heart of Azovstal’ project. I thank Rinat Akhmetov for this initiative. I was impressed that not only do they provide housing, but they also have programs that involve freed servicemen in meaningful activities,” Dermanovsky said.
According to the project, after returning to civilian life, he has been actively engaged in sports and has a passion for motorcycles. The organization intends to continue supporting his athletic initiatives.
The ‘Heart of Azovstal’ project emphasizes that the traumatic experiences of war should not define a person’s entire life, and post-traumatic growth helps veterans find new meanings, support, and opportunities for self-realization after enduring such challenges.
