Ukrainian doctors performed a unique operation, removing a 5.45 mm bullet from the heart of a soldier who spent three years in Russian captivity after defending “Azovstal.”
This is reported by Kyiv24
Unique Operation by Ukrainian Medics
The director of the Heart Institute of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Boris Todurov, published a video of this operation on his Facebook page. He described the Ukrainian defender as a true “titan” — a warrior who endured three years of captivity with an enemy bullet in his heart.
According to the cardiothoracic surgeon, the wounded fighter returned home only two months ago as a result of a prisoner exchange. During all this time, the dangerous object remained in his heart without causing critical damage to the organ.
Three Years with a Bullet in the Heart
The defender, who fought alongside his comrades to defend “Azovstal,” was injured during the battles for Mariupol and was taken captive by the Russians. He spent three years there, carrying a deadly fragment inside him. Only after returning to Ukraine were doctors able to perform the complex operation and remove the bullet.
“5.45. It was in the heart of our guy, who spent three years in captivity. He defended “Azovstal” alongside his comrades. He was captured while injured during the attack on Mariupol. He was in captivity with the Russians for three years, and two months ago he was exchanged. And for three years, he had that bullet. Fortunately, it didn’t cause any damage, and now we have removed it. The guy was lucky,” said the cardiothoracic surgeon.
Doctors note that such cases are extremely rare in global practice. The operation was successful, and the soldier’s health is currently stable.