Ukraine: Who Is Kostiantyn Vlasenko, the Soldier Who Amputated Himself to Survive

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine to Kostiantyn Vlasenko, a 49-year-old soldier in the 30th Mechanized Brigade. After his position at Vertun, near Sinkivka, was destroyed on February 15, 2026, he suffered severe injuries to both legs and remained hidden for months, watching Russian forces and relaying information to his comrades. Gangrene caused him to lose one foot, and he amputated the other himself. He was evacuated on October 4, 2026, by an Ayudag-6 heavy hexacopter piloted by Serhii Stoian, after spending 491 days at the same position, including 232 alone.