Beyond Survival: Unstoppable Ukrainian Soldier Returns to the Front Line

A team of Ukrainian soldiers swiftly navigates a training ground at the front-line, effortlessly overcoming obstacles and precisely aiming at distant targets. Engaging in this battle skills refinement exercise, Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian forces intensifies a few miles to the south.

Among them stands Danilo, a remarkable fighter whose exceptional speed and accuracy set him apart. However, what truly distinguishes him are his distinct movements.

Upon closer observation, it becomes evident that his slight limp is attributed to a prosthetic limb, taking the place of his lower right leg.

Still wearing a smirk, Danilo informed CNN, "I am currently striving to regain my former physique. There is still much progress to be made... and even greater strides towards achieving perfection."

Danilo suffered the loss of his lower right leg during the initial stages of Russia's extensive invasion of Ukraine in the previous year. During a mission with his unit, they unexpectedly became targets and Danilo unintentionally stepped on a landmine, resulting in his tragic injury. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the numerous repercussions endured by both military personnel and civilians due to Russia's merciless war on Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Moscow's forces have strategically scattered approximately 170,000 square kilometers (65,637 square miles) of the Ukrainian countryside with perilous landmines. This vast area, equivalent to the size of Florida, includes a substantial concentration along the southern front, aiming to impede Kyiv's counteroffensive. In a report published in April, international think tank GLOBSEC discerned Ukraine as the most mined country in the world.

Amputee Danilo at a training ground in Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhia region.

Vasco Cotovio/CNN

Ukrainian troops face a significant challenge as they advance, encountering these concealed explosives that pose a serious threat and could lead to severe consequences.

Danilo shared his experience, stating, "Upon encountering Russian forces, I had to deviate from the designated path. Unfortunately, I set off a mine... Despite this setback, my team continued to engage, successfully completing the mission while ensuring my safe evacuation."

The video shared with CNN depicts the individual in the aftermath of the incident, seated in a van alongside two of his comrades. Despite losing his leg below the knee, he remained fully conscious. Reflecting on the intense rush of adrenaline at that time, he expressed his fear that his second leg may also be amputated. Remarkably, this did not occur.

Eight grueling months of rehabilitation followed.

"It was a very, very long recovery. I lost a lot of blood, it was a heavy amputation, heavy bone fracture," he recalled.

Danilo's initial recovery occurred in Ukraine, but after two months, he and his wife relocated to Mexico. With assistance from the Ukrainian diaspora, he received a prosthetic limb and psychological support. Danilo faced additional challenges as his other leg was also injured, rendering him unable to apply any weight on it for eight months. However, thanks to the expertise of skilled doctors, he was eventually able to regain his mobility.

Injuries worse now

Vlad, known solely by his first name, is a distinguished Ukrainian combat medic serving in a tirelessly prepared unit. Promptly responding to distress calls, his team courageously rushes to the forefront to successfully retrieve the injured.

"Even the loss of a single limb, whether it be a soldier or a civilian, is significant. It is crucial to empathize with the individual in this situation. Every instance is one too many," he expressed to CNN.

Vlad emphasizes that his occupation as a medic carries an equally high level of risk.

"There has been a significant amount of shelling aimed directly at our team," he mentioned. "Despite the fact that our vehicles clearly display red crosses, the Russian forces deliberately disregard the provisions of the Geneva Convention. This disregard is tactical, as killing medics implies that a substantial number of soldiers will be deprived of immediate medical assistance."

CNN's request for a statement regarding this accusation from the Russian Ministry of Defense has remained unanswered.

Vlad, a combat medic, says many of those injured by mines in recent months have been sappers working to clear territory so Ukrainian forces can advance.

Vasco Cotovio/CNN

The risks do not discourage Vlad from making his way to the front. Time, he says, is essential in treating injuries such as Danilos if the patient is to make a good recovery.

"It depends on the promptness of medical aid delivery, and we ensure swift provision," Vlad stated.

"The majority of the regions are mined. To progress beyond, we employ engineering vehicles and sappers. Recently, a significant portion of mine casualties comprised sappers," he further added.

"The injuries are worse now than they were six months ago. We have much more work now."

Kyiv has not publicly acknowledged it is taking more casualties in recent months.

Victory or death

After recovering in Mexico, Danilo has returned to the battlefield, providing support to Ukrainian forces as they make progress in the southern region. He wasted no time in joining Ukraine's counteroffensive shortly after his arrival at the end of July.

"I resumed my duty in Zaporizhzhia just two days after my return. I served as an instructor for a month before expressing my desire for a transfer to the front," he recounted.

"Currently, I hold the position of the chief sergeant in a fire support unit, where I oversee the mortar, grenade launcher, and anti-tank squads," he elaborated. "Together with the platoon commander, we meticulously select suitable positions, identify targets, and strategize our operations."

He adamantly declares that his injuries have no impact on his speed. "If I weren't efficient, I would be reassigned to an office where I'd be doing administrative tasks."

Despite his eagerness to rejoin the battle, Danilo confesses his aversion towards war and combat. "I deeply despise witnessing my fellow comrades getting injured or losing their lives," he elaborated.

Despite the trauma he has endured, he firmly believes that he could not have simply remained at home and watched passively.

"In a nation under siege, it is the duty of every man to rise from the comfort of their couch and protect their home," he expressed. "I am compelled to take action, and fortunately, I possess the necessary skills. Our community requires individuals with my level of expertise."

"We dont have a choice… The counteroffensive cant fail," Danilo continued. "We are defending our home. Its victory or death for us."