Ruslana Danilkina: The 19-Year-Old Ukrainian Soldier Who Lost Her Leg But Not Her Spirit
Ruslana Danilkina is a 19-year-old Ukrainian soldier who lost her leg in the war against Russia. She is a brave and resilient young woman who volunteered to defend her country and did not give up on her dreams despite the tragedy. Here is her inspiring story of courage, sacrifice, and hope.
How She Became a Soldier
Ruslana was born in Odesa, a port city on the Black Sea coast of Ukraine. Her father was a military officer who served in various regions of the country. Ruslana grew up admiring her father and his dedication to his homeland. She also loved her city, its architecture, culture, and seaside. She dreamed of becoming a tour guide and showing the beauty of Odesa to the world.
However, her life changed dramatically in 2014, when Russia invaded and annexed Crimea, a peninsula south of Odesa that belonged to Ukraine. Ruslana witnessed the protests, violence, and chaos that erupted in her city and other parts of Ukraine. She felt angry and betrayed by Russia’s aggression and wanted to do something to help her country.
In 2022, when Ruslana Danilkina turned 18, she decided to join the army as a volunteer. She did not tell her parents about her decision until she was already at the training camp. Her parents were shocked and worried, but they respected her choice and supported her.
Ruslana completed her training and was assigned to a unit that worked on “judicial investigations”. She had to collect and analyze information from the frontline, such as enemy movements, equipment, munitions, and casualties. She sometimes had to go to the frontline herself to get the data.
However, Danilkina felt that this work was not enough for her. She wanted to be more involved in the combat operations and make a difference on the ground. She asked her commander to transfer her to another unit that was more active in fighting. Her commander was reluctant to take such a young and fragile girl into his unit, but Ruslana insisted.
| Name | Ruslana Danilkina |
|---|---|
| Age | 19 |
| Birthplace | Odesa, Ukraine |
| Occupation | Soldier |
| Injury | Lost left leg above the knee in a shell attack |
| Recovery | Received a prosthetic leg, physical therapy, psychological counseling, and support group |
| Recognition | Awarded several medals and honors by the Ukrainian government and other institutions |
| Dream | To become a tour guide and show the beauty of Odesa to the world |
| Hope | To see peace in Ukraine and no more lives lost or ruined by the conflict |
| Homepage | @factynews.com |
What Ruslana Did at the Frontline
Ruslana Danilkina became a communications operator at the frontline near Zaporizhzhia, a city in southeastern Ukraine that was under constant threat from Russian-backed separatists. Her job was to receive and transmit information about incoming munitions, the movement of equipment, infantry, and aviation, and any sounds and explosions. She also helped receive the wounded and dead and handed them over to medics.
Ruslana worked 24/7, day and night, with no breaks or rest. She had to be very alert and attentive, as any mistake could cost lives. She also faced danger from enemy fire, mines, and snipers. She witnessed death and destruction every day.
However, Ruslana also felt joy when she reported the enemy’s coordinates to other units and heard Ukrainian mortars firing at them. She felt proud of being part of the Ukrainian army and contributing to its victory. She also made friends with her fellow soldiers and shared their hopes and fears.
How She Survived a Shell Attack
On February 10, 2023, an air alert was announced throughout Ukraine. Ruslana and her comrades left for a combat mission in their armored vehicle. As she was answering a phone call from her brother Vlad, who wanted to check on her, a shell hit their car.
The explosion threw Ruslana Danilkina out of the vehicle. She looked at her left leg and saw that it was torn off above the knee. She clutched her severed thigh bone and watched blood gushing out of her wound. She thought she was going to die.
In a state of shock, Danilkina recorded a video for her brother on her phone. She told him that she loved him and his family. She apologized for joining the army without telling him. She said goodbye to him. She was sure that this would be her last video.
However, Ruslana was lucky to be picked up quickly by another vehicle that took her to a hospital. At the hospital, the surgeon said that if she had been brought 10 seconds later, she would not have made it.
How She Fought for Life
In the first two days after what happened, Ruslana did not want to live. She felt depressed and hopeless. She thought that no one would accept her or need her anymore. She thought that she had lost everything: her leg, her career, her future.
However, Ruslana Danilkina’s brother Vlad, his wife Anhelina, and their 4-month-old daughter Olivia helped her to believe in herself again. They visited her every day at the hospital and encouraged her to stay positive. They told her that she was still alive and that she could overcome this challenge. They told her that they loved her no matter what.
Vlad also did extensive research on amputation, rehabilitation, and prosthetics. He found out that there were advanced technologies and methods that could help Ruslana to walk again. He contacted several organizations and foundations that supported wounded soldiers and veterans. He applied for financial and medical assistance for his sister.
Within a week, Ruslana received a prosthetic leg from a German company that donated it to her. She also received a wheelchair, crutches, and other equipment. She started her physical therapy and learned how to use her new leg. She also received psychological counseling and joined a support group of other amputees.
How Ruslana Danilkina Became a Role Model for Others
Danilkina made remarkable progress in her recovery. She regained her strength, mobility, and confidence. She also regained her smile, optimism, and sense of humor. She did not let her disability define her or limit her. She continued to pursue her interests and hobbies, such as reading, writing, painting, and photography.
Ruslana Danilkina also became an inspiration and a role model for others. She shared her story with the media and the public. She participated in various events and campaigns that raised awareness and funds for war victims and veterans. She also visited other wounded soldiers at the hospital and motivated them to fight for their lives.
Ruslana also received recognition and appreciation for her service and sacrifice. She was awarded several medals and honors by the Ukrainian government and other institutions. She was also invited to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, who thanked her for her courage and dedication.
How She Dreams of Peace
Ruslana is now 19 years old. She lives in Odesa with her brother’s family. She plans to go back to school and finish her education. She still dreams of becoming a tour guide and showing the beauty of Odesa to the world.
Danilkina also dreams of peace in Ukraine. She hopes that the war will end soon and that Ukraine will regain its sovereignty and integrity. She hopes that no more lives will be lost or ruined by the conflict.
Ruslana Danilkina is a hero of Ukraine. She is a symbol of the Ukrainian spirit: brave, resilient, hopeful. She is a woman at war who did not give up on herself or her country.
