Ukrainian soldier Volodymyr received a bionic prosthetic arm
On February 24, 2022, Volodymyr Kasianov’s life changed forever. That morning, he was getting ready for work when he saw rockets flying over his hometown.
“I turned on the TV and heard the President say that the war had begun. Calls, panic — no one understood what was happening,” he recalls.
Although Volodymyr was initially deemed unfit for military service due to health reasons, he couldn’t stay on the sidelines. He joined the Territorial Defense Forces, where he assisted with logistics, delivered supplies, and supported fellow volunteers. Later, in May 2022, after passing a medical commission, he officially joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Serving with the 17th Tank Brigade, Volodymyr took part in combat operations in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions. In September 2024, while defending positions in the Kursk direction, his unit found itself nearly surrounded. For ten days, they held the line under constant shelling.
On September 30, a mine exploded near their position, and Volodymyr suffered a severe arm injury.
“The guys said, ‘Your arm is covered in blood.’ I looked down — and felt nothing. It must have been a shock. But I kept fighting for almost seven more hours with one hand,” he recalls.
He was evacuated several days later. At the hospital, doctors had to amputate his arm.
“I was ready. It felt like the beginning of a new life,” says Volodymyr.
After a long recovery, he received a mechanical prosthesis, but it proved uncomfortable. That’s when he decided to get a bionic one.
“They told me it could take months, but within a month, a sponsor was found. Thanks to the Techiia Foundation, I received a modern bionic prosthesis. Without their support, I wouldn’t have had such an opportunity,” says the soldier.
The new prosthesis has significantly improved his daily life — he can now repair electronics, help his comrades, and manage daily tasks.
“The main thing is not to give up. Life doesn’t end with an amputation. We become stronger,” he says.
Today, Volodymyr is setting new goals. He dreams of developing affordable and functional prostheses, becoming a military psychologist, and opening a business where people with disabilities can work and grow.
His story is a testament to resilience, strength, and the will to move forward.
The Techiia Foundation continues to support Ukrainian soldiers who have lost limbs, funding modern prosthetics and helping them return to an active, fulfilling life.
Together, we are stronger. 💙💛