Photo series: Superhumans Center
Description: “Introducing our 4th subject the superb Oleg who had some serious presence in the room. Even due to the language barrier we understood one another and he actually share surveillance footage of the explosion where he received his injuries! Oleg is a veteran from Kryvyi Rih - an entrepreneur and passionate rock climber. At the onset of the full-scale invasion, he volunteered for military service, but due to his age (53), he was initially turned away. Just a few days later, he was already on the frontlines, digging trenches.
He served in the south, took part in the liberation of Beryslav, and later fought in the battles for Soledar and Bakhmut. In June 2023, while en route to frontline positions near Kostyantynivka, his vehicle was struck by an enemy ATGM. He sustained severe shrapnel injuries, deep burns, and lost an eye. Despite this, he managed to administer first aid to himself and walk nearly a kilometer to reach his comrades.
Oleg’s face was disfigured beyond recognition. At the Vinnytsia Regional Burn Center, he underwent skin grafting with artificial skin and had the first shrapnel fragments removed. The next stage of care took place at Superhumans, where surgeons performed orbital reconstruction, fitted an ocular implant, corrected the lower eyelid, and carried out procedures to restore facial aesthetics.
Throughout his treatment and rehabilitation, Oleg was supported by his wife - they’re now climbing again together. He jokes that he’s become a “one-eyed climber” and dreams of creating an inclusive team of veteran climbers, building his own climbing gym, and helping others reconnect with life through sport.”
He served in the south, took part in the liberation of Beryslav, and later fought in the battles for Soledar and Bakhmut. In June 2023, while en route to frontline positions near Kostyantynivka, his vehicle was struck by an enemy ATGM. He sustained severe shrapnel injuries, deep burns, and lost an eye. Despite this, he managed to administer first aid to himself and walk nearly a kilometer to reach his comrades.
Oleg’s face was disfigured beyond recognition. At the Vinnytsia Regional Burn Center, he underwent skin grafting with artificial skin and had the first shrapnel fragments removed. The next stage of care took place at Superhumans, where surgeons performed orbital reconstruction, fitted an ocular implant, corrected the lower eyelid, and carried out procedures to restore facial aesthetics.
Throughout his treatment and rehabilitation, Oleg was supported by his wife - they’re now climbing again together. He jokes that he’s become a “one-eyed climber” and dreams of creating an inclusive team of veteran climbers, building his own climbing gym, and helping others reconnect with life through sport.”