"Sometimes I forget I don't have a leg": Ukrainian soldiers return to war via drone screens
Two Ukrainian National Guard soldiers who lost a leg to mine explosions have returned to their unit, Khartiia, now serving as drone operators instead of infantrymen on the ground.
Back in the ranks
Two Ukrainian soldiers who each lost a leg to mine explosions have returned to their National Guard unit, Khartiia. Rather than leaving service after their injuries, both chose to continue fighting — but no longer as infantrymen moving through ground positions.
A new role
Their duties now center on drones: instead of walking into positions on the battlefield, they operate unmanned aerial vehicles from behind screens. This shift has allowed them to remain in active service despite the severity of their injuries.
"Sometimes I forget"
The story's title draws on words attributed to one of the men — "Sometimes I forget I don't have a leg" — a phrase that captures how naturally he has adapted to his new role behind a screen, despite his physical loss.
Significance
The two men's experience illustrates how severely wounded Ukrainian soldiers are able to keep contributing to the country's defense by changing their function within the army. Serving as drone operators lets them stay connected to their unit and continue carrying out combat tasks even when a traditional infantry role is no longer possible.
