He Lost Both Arms but Operates an FPV Drone: The Story of a Marine from Mykolaiv
Artem dreams of myoelectric prostheses and is growing a veteran-owned business
A Mykolaiv marine Artem, call sign “Saur”, lost both arms after suffering a severe combat injury, but learned to operate an FPV drone and continues to master everyday tasks. The defender’s story was featured on the program “Breakfast with 1+1” in the “Quiet Stars” segment.
Artem joined the Ukrainian military in August 2022. His service began in Mykolaiv, and he later transferred to the Marine Corps. There, he learned to operate drones, became a crew commander, and carried out combat missions on the Kherson and Donetsk fronts.
The marine was severely wounded in the Donetsk region: as the soldiers were leaving a combat position, they came under mortar fire. Artem sustained multiple injuries to his arms. Evacuation took about 12 hours, and doctors had to amputate both arms.
He began his rehabilitation at Superhumans, a military trauma center in Lviv. His wife, Veronika, became an important source of support. With the help of a psychologist, the defender discovered painting and gradually began to find other activities.
The marine’s hobbies include:
- table tennis;
- archery;
- mountain climbing.
His daily training is not limited to new hobbies. Artem is learning to use his feet for tasks he used to do with his hands: getting dressed, working at a computer, and using a phone.
The couple is also growing their veteran-owned business, “Farbanka.” Veronika hand-paints white shirts with Ukrainian ornaments and traditional patterns.
Now, Artem’s greatest dream is to get myoelectric arm prostheses. They work using sensors that read muscle signals. According to the journalists, if he manages to fully master this technology, he could become the first person in Ukraine with such a high level of amputation to use myoelectric arm prostheses.
The marine himself does not consider himself exceptional. Despite everything he has been through, he is making plans, seeking new opportunities, and gradually rebuilding his life after a severe injury.
We previously reported:
- Veterans become coaches at an adaptive sports festival in Mykolaiv
- Cooking independently again: Mykolaiv hospital sets up a kitchen for rehabilitation
- Behind the wheel again: veteran from Mykolaiv region receives compensation for vehicle adaptation
- Free treatment for veterans: all the details and a list of medical services
- A guarantee for Ukraine’s defenders: veterans can receive modern prostheses free of charge













