A Soldier's Desperate Act of Survival in the War Zone
In a harrowing account from the front lines of the conflict, Alexander, a 38-year-old soldier from Yakutia, faced a life-threatening situation that led him to take the drastic measure of amputating his own leg. This incident occurred in July 2024, after Alexander sustained a severe injury that left his femur broken and his leg festering without access to medical care in the trenches.
Faced with the grim reality of blood poisoning, Alexander made the agonizing decision to perform the amputation himself using a simple knife. His comrades, paralyzed by fear, were unable to assist him. In a moment of desperation, he injected himself with the last of his pain medication and recalled a prophetic dream involving his shamanic ancestors, which urged him to take action to save his life.
“I followed this advice, and thanks to it I was able to save myself,” Alexander recounted. The self-surgery halted the immediate threat, but complications persisted, leading to further medical challenges.
The Struggles of Recovery and Hope for Home
After enduring 17 days of suffering in the trenches, with the help of his fellow soldiers who provided medicine and care, Alexander was eventually evacuated to a military hospital in Volgograd. Despite his bravery, he faces ongoing health issues, with his leg still festering and the possibility of further amputation looming. He expressed uncertainty about the outcome of his next operation, scheduled for next week, and the implications it may have on his ability to use a prosthetic limb.
“I don’t know if they’ll amputate it further or not. But if they do, the stump will be too short for a prosthesis,” he explained, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of his injuries. Alexander has been in the hospital for over three months and hopes to return home to Yakutia by spring, eager to resume his passion for hunting.
Recognition of Heroism Among Yakutians
The bravery of Yakutian soldiers has not gone unnoticed. In October, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov awarded the title Hero of Russia to two natives of Yakutia for their valor in combat. Dmitry Kutsenko was recognized for his tactical leadership during a prolonged defense against Ukrainian forces, while Rodimir Maksimov, known as Burkhat, was honored for his extraordinary efforts in holding a stronghold and eliminating numerous adversaries despite sustaining injuries. These commendations reflect the courage and resilience of soldiers from Yakutia, underscoring their significant contributions to the ongoing conflict.
