Before the war, I was a small business owner — I was growing my business and planning for the future. Until the very last moment, I couldn’t believe a war with Russia could really happen. But when it did, I made the decision to pick up a weapon and defend my country.

After the war, I want to start my business again, spend more time with my family, and travel. I also want to be active in the veterans’ community and support my brothers-in-arms who were seriously wounded in combat.