“Sometimes I forget I don’t have a leg”: how two Ukrainian infantrymen returned to war behind screens
Two Ukrainian soldiers who lost limbs to mines have returned to Khartiia, their National Guard unit, working the drone screens—instead of walking into positions on the ground.
Volunteer infantrymen Bilyi and Terri, both former Ukrainian soldiers, have returned to their National Guard unit after sustaining injuries from anti-personnel mines. Bilyi, who lost his leg in July 2025, and Terri, who lost part of his lower leg near Kharkiv Oblast in June 2025, both underwent amputations and fitted with prosthetics before resuming their service in Khartiia.
The two chose to return to ISTAR, a role that involves monitoring drone feeds, tracking enemy positions, and relaying targets to ground troops. Both men could have been discharged, but opted to continue serving. Bilyi emphasizes the importance of combat experience in this role, stating that understanding the battlefield is crucial for an ISTAR operator.
Terri shares how switching from the battlefield to a monitor has altered his perspective on the war, allowing him to appreciate the role of drone crews better.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
