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

Author: Francis NoudePublished on: November 6, 2026Country: Ukraine

World / International

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.

Stay informed with NewsBoulevard

Get the latest news summaries delivered to your inbox

Related News

Armed violence, health crisis and blocked aid: UN renews call to protect civilians and ensure unhindered humanitarian access in eastern DR Congo

World / InternationalHealthDemocratic Republic of the Congo

actualite.cd•28m ago

Armed violence, health crisis and blocked aid: UN renews call to protect civilians and ensure unhindered humanitarian access in eastern DR Congo

OCHA warns that the humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is worsening as violence drives displacement, school closures and disruptions to aid, while Ebola spreads. In Ituri, nearly 50 civilians held for about three months were released in Mambasa, but local civil society groups reported that at least 24 civilians were killed and 43 abducted in October. In South Kivu, clashes between the army and FRN rebels forced 26 schools to close, affecting nearly 6,000 children; North Kivu accounts for about 60% of newly reported Ebola cases. As of November 1, the country had recorded more than 10,500 confirmed cases and 5,100 deaths, and the UN urged conflict parties to protect civilians and enable humanitarian access.

South African Municipal Elections: ANC Wins 31.78%, Its Worst-Ever Election Result

PoliticsWorld / InternationalSouth Africa

senenews.com•38m ago

South African Municipal Elections: ANC Wins 31.78%, Its Worst-Ever Election Result

With 80% of ballots counted in South Africa’s municipal elections, the ANC received 31.78% of the vote, its lowest result since 1994. The party led by Cyril Ramaphosa had already lost its parliamentary majority in the 2024 national elections, taking 40% of the vote. The Democratic Alliance won 24.22% and was provisionally leading in six of the country’s eight major metropolitan areas, where it will need coalition partners to govern. In Cape Town, DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis claimed victory, while final results were still pending.

ANC gets 31.8% in South African election, partial results show

PoliticsWorld / InternationalSouth Africa

vanguardngr.com•1h ago

ANC gets 31.8% in South African election, partial results show

With 80% of votes counted in Wednesday’s municipal elections, the ANC had 31.8%, its worst result on record. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s party faced voter anger over years of municipal mismanagement, failing water supplies, power cuts and deteriorating public services. The Democratic Alliance (DA) was in second place with 24.2%, up from nearly 22% in 2021; final results are expected on Sunday. Analyst Daniel Silke said the setback would weaken the ANC’s authority and embolden opposition parties ahead of the 2029 election.

Stay Updated with NewsBoulevard

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news summaries delivered to your inbox