Ukrainian wounded by Russian mortar fire says UK training and gear saved his life
A Ukrainian former soldier has described how crucial British Army-supplied medical kit saved his life after being hit by mortar fire.
Oleksandr Androshchuk, 30, sustained significant injuries in the October 2022 attack when his patrol was struck by Russian indirect fire.
Moments after mortar bombs landed on his position, he attached his British-issued tourniquet to his right leg, stopping him from bleeding to death.
Now, two years on, Oleksandr is representing Ukraine in the 2025 Invictus Games in Canada.
Talking to BFBS Forces News, the former Azov Regiment soldier revealed how the British Army-supplied medical equipment saved his life that day.
"A mortar shell fell in front of me. It was like a white screen, and I felt like I was flying," he said. "I realised my leg was not in correct place, so I took a tourniquet out to stop bleeding."
It was this tourniquet, issued while in the UK, that saved his life.
Oleksandr was in the UK in August 2022 as part of Operation Interflex – a British-led multinational military operation focused on training and supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
To date, more than 60,000 Ukrainians have been taught vital infantry skills covering the essentials of combat and field medicine.
"Following the attack, I had more than 10 surgeries. The surgeons removed fragments from my neck, spine and legs. They were able to save my leg," Oleksandr recalled more than two years on.
He explained how he became a father for the second time just a month after Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.
Oleksandr said he was enthused to re-join the army having previously served as a younger man, because he loved Ukraine.
Asked how he went on to become involved with the Invictus Games, Oleksandr credited his wife for providing him with the encouragement to sign up.
"I forgot how I feel before. Now I feel better every day," he said.
"I saw the previous [Invictus] games in Dusseldorf and wished I could be involved. My wife made me register. It's an amazing place and amazing people."
Since Donald Trump's second presidency began in January, the possibility of a peace deal becoming a reality has increased.
But Oleksandr's view is that the route to Ukrainian victory is via international support.
He said: "I hope that we are on the finish line of the war [but] I have some doubts as we have a really strong enemy who has bigger resources.
"The only way we can win them is to be together with the rest of the world."
The 2025 Invictus Games is being hosted jointly between the cities of Vancouver and Whistler in British Columbia, Canada.
It's the first to include winter sports since the games was co-founded by Prince Harry in 2014.
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