Oleg Krushovsky, who defended Mariupol, has been awarded an apartment through the ‘Heart of Azovstal’ initiative. He had been hospitalized on February 24, 2022, due to pneumonia after suffering from COVID-19, but returned to active duty by March 2, 2022, to help protect the city.
In April 2022, during a combat mission, Krushovsky was hit by a mortar shell, resulting in a concussion. During this time, he lost contact with his family; his wife remained in Mariupol while their daughter was in the occupied town of Bucha. In May, he was captured by Russian forces, who coerced him for false confessions to crimes he did not commit. While imprisoned, he sustained broken ribs and skull fractures. Eleven months later, he was released as part of a prisoner exchange.
After his return, Krushovsky underwent extensive rehabilitation and was reunited with his family. The ‘Heart of Azovstal’ project provided them with an apartment in Bucha.
“We learned that ‘Heart of Azovstal’ was giving apartments to defenders who had become disabled during the city’s defense, so we applied. We were pleasantly surprised when we received a call saying we would get an apartment. It’s bright and cozy. I thank Rinat Akhmetov for this support. Now we have our own home and can plan for the future,” Krushovsky said.
Due to his health condition, he cannot return to military service. After rehabilitation, he intends to learn a new profession and contribute to the reconstruction of Mariupol once it is liberated from occupation.
“I plan to return to work after rehabilitation. I want to learn a new profession, as my health will not allow me to rejoin the military. I also dream of returning to Mariupol to help restore the war-torn city,” he shared.
The support provided through the project extended to Krushovsky’s family as well. Following his return from captivity, ‘Heart of Azovstal’ assisted with rehabilitation arrangements, finding doctors, and providing psychological support.
“When my husband returned from captivity, we were immediately offered rehabilitation support. They called and inquired about our needs, asking how they could assist with locating doctors. They provide us with psychological support. We are very grateful to ‘Heart of Azovstal’. This is significant support for defenders and their families,” said his wife, Lyudmila Krushovska.
