On September 19–20, within the framework of a training and practical course for prosthetists organized by the Future for Ukraine Foundation, the Medical Center Orthotics and Prosthetics (USA), and PT EDUCATION LLC (USA), two defenders, Oleksii Dernov and Vasyl Stupar, received a free upgrade of upper limb prostheses from the Ukrainian company Esper Bionics.
With the new myoelectric hand, the veterans can now perform more complex actions with their prosthetic limb — such as holding a phone, a pen, or a key. The cost of such a prosthetic device is around USD 7,000. The servicemen tested their new hands under the supervision of physical therapists and mastered basic movements during the practical part of the course.
Previously, Oleksii and Vasyl underwent free upper limb prosthetics in the USA under the FFU program and are now adapting to civilian life. Recently, Oleksii Dernov joined our volunteer team and now continues to help implement the LEVCHYK project in Mykolaiv.
Stories of the Defenders
Oleksii Dernov
37th Separate Marine Brigade
Oleksii is from Znamianka, Kirovohrad region. Before the war, he worked as a train operator and practiced historical medieval battles. With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Oleksii voluntarily joined the army and served in the 37th Separate Marine Brigade.
In battles on the Donetsk front, he was wounded, resulting in the loss of his right arm. “A 120 mm mortar landed near me. First, I was shot, and my shoulder was torn apart. About 1-1,5 hours later, I came under artillery fire,” Oleksii recalls.
After this severe injury, Oleksii went through a long and difficult rehabilitation — 11 hospitals, countless surgeries. The first months were spent connected to drips, days and nights. But this did not break the spirit of the marine. On the contrary, he is determined to make the most of his second chance at life in memory of a fallen comrade who once saved Oleksii’s life.
Today, Oleksii is not only recovering but also finding new meanings. He practises his favorite fencing and helps implement a charity project supporting IDP children with autism spectrum disorders. His plans include returning to the army as an instructor to pass on knowledge and experience to younger soldiers.
Vasyl Stupar
46th Separate Airmobile Brigade, Ukrainian Air Assault Forces
Junior Sergeant Vasyl Stupar has defended Ukraine since the first days of the full-scale russian invasion as part of the 46th Separate Airmobile Brigade. He was among the first soldiers to master the British 105 mm howitzer; after training in the UK, he operated it in Ukraine and trained other units.
With his brigade, Vasyl engages in fierce battles — from liberating the Kherson region to defending near Bakhmut and Soledar. In the fall of 2023, near Mariinka, he sustained a severe injury: he lost his left arm and suffered damage to his pelvis, spine, and internal organs. For his courage, he was awarded the Cross of the Brave by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
After a long rehabilitation, Vasyl is gradually recovering and is even trying to drive again with the help of a prosthetic arm. He says that on the frontline he was “just doing his job,” but now, more than anything, he wants to live a full life.
We thank Esper Bionics for supporting Ukrainian defenders and for developing technologies that improve the lives of people with limb loss!
