“15 pieces of shrapnel were found in my body”. Story of border guard who served for 27 years

Viktor is a border guard who goes by the alias Otshel. He served in the army for 27 years. Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs

Details: Viktor has been defending the country since 2014. Two weeks before the full-scale invasion, he was discharged.

Viktor was planning a vacation. He went to visit his parents in Rivne Oblast.

But with the start of the full-scale war, his plans changed. On 26 February 2022, he arrived back at his military unit.

Photo: State Border Guard Service of Ukraine The unit where Otshel served met its first heavy battle in the village of Stepne.

Then, together with his brothers-in-arms, Viktor held positions in other towns in Donetsk Oblast.

In April, Viktor had to rescue his wounded commander after a tank attack. During this, he himself was seriously injured.

"They found 15 pieces of shrapnel in my body, three of which I kept as a souvenir," says Viktor.