"He held his severed leg pressed to his body to stop the bleeding": the story of an 11-year-old boy from Kharkiv Oblast – photos

Kyiv doctors have told the story of 11-year-old Sashko (short for Oleksandr) from Kharkiv Oblast, who lost his leg in a Russian attack.

Source: Okhmatdyt, one of the best children’s hospitals in Kyiv

Details: Sashko’s treatment lasted more than three months, Okhmatdyt said.

"While he was in hospital, he had several operations, made new friends, celebrated his 11th birthday, changed his hairstyle, and got used to a new life with an amputated leg," the doctors said.

Sashko was injured in his home village of Malyi Burluk. Sadly, his cousin Alina was killed

In January 2024, Sashko and his cousin Alina were walking to the grocery store in Malyi Burluk, the village where they lived in Kharkiv Oblast. At that moment Russian troops began shelling. A shell landed near the children.

Sashko and Alina were both seriously injured. Doctors said that Sashko held his severed leg pressed to his body to stop the bleeding.

Sashko underwent many surgeries in Kharkiv, and then he was transferred to Kyiv

Ukrainian soldiers arrived at the scene of the strike shortly afterwards. They provided first aid to the children, put a tourniquet on Sashko’s leg, and drove to meet the ambulance in their car to avoid wasting time. Sashko lost his leg, and his cousin sadly died after 10 days in intensive care.

Sashko underwent many operations in Kharkiv before being transferred to Okhmatdyt in Kyiv, where he was treated in the orthopaedics and traumatology department. Here, Sashko underwent surgical interventions and rehabilitation as well as attending sessions with a physiotherapist and psychologist.

Sashko celebrated his 11th birthday in hospital

"During his stay in our hospital, the boy adapted to his new life, made friends with other children, met famous people, went to a hairdresser’s and attended many activities. Sashko has become an example of resilience, optimism and courage," the doctors say.

"The Okhmatdyt team has been delighted to get to know such a bright and sincere child who, despite everything he has been through, inspires and gives joy to others. We are proud of Sashko!"

The boy is in Lviv now, where he has been fitted with a prosthesis

Sashko is now in Lviv, where he has been fitted with a prosthesis, but he dreams of coming back home.

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