Mykola Lukach, originally from Zakarpattia, found himself in Mariupol amid the full-scale invasion, serving in the marine corps. During the defense of the Ilyich Iron and Steel Works in March 2022, he sustained a mine-explosive injury. Despite his injury, he managed to apply first aid to himself using a tourniquet before his comrades evacuated him to a bunker where doctors had to amputate his leg without anesthesia.
According to reports, Lukach spent 80 days in captivity before returning to Ukraine on June 29, 2022, during a prisoner exchange involving severely injured individuals between Ukraine and Russia.
The Heart of Azovstal initiative has facilitated his rehabilitation process and helped him reintegrate into civilian life. They provided him with a sports prosthesis and now, a new home.
“I heard about the Heart of Azovstal program and immediately called them to share my future plans. I want to run again and serve in the army. I have a strong desire to conquer Hoverla once more. They assisted me with a running prosthesis, and Rinat Akhmetov responded and began helping us. It’s truly appreciated. Now with the apartment, it’s the beginning of a new life,” shared the Ukrainian defender.
