Lucky drove 10 km in a burning M113 to rescue his comrades

Just a few years ago, “Lucky” worked as a courier in the Lviv region, and in January 2025, he enlisted in the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. During combat missions, he was hit by FPV drones on more than one occasion: once he drove about 10 kilometers in a burning M113, and another time he deliberately lured drones toward himself to provide cover for Ukrainian infantrymen.

 

Just a few years ago, he worked as a courier in the Lviv region. Now, Junior Sergeant “Lucky” is the driver of an M113 tracked armored personnel carrier with the “Shkval” Rapid Response Border Command of the 7th Carpathian Border Guard Detachment. He explains his decision to switch from civilian work to military service simply. “The main reason I joined is that I just don’t want the war to reach my home,” says Lucky.

 

In January 2025, he joined the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. He initially served in the Lviv region and planned to become a K-9 handler. But later, he decided to transfer to a combat unit. “I went to fight. That’s what I wanted,” says the border guard. Lucky gained his first serious combat experience in the Chernihiv region. While evacuating his comrades, the Ukrainian troops came under heavy mortar fire.

 

At that moment, an enemy FPV drone on a fiber-optic cable struck the roof of the M113. The armored personnel carrier caught fire, but the driver did not stop. Laki kept moving and drove the burning vehicle for about 10 kilometers. He managed to get the people out of the dangerous area and to a safer place. There, the crew helped a seriously wounded comrade. Later, in the Kharkiv region, the driver once again had to act in a matter of seconds.

 

During a nighttime mission, Lucky spotted two enemy drones. They were heading toward Ukrainian infantrymen who were waiting to be evacuated. He then drove forward and drew the drones’ attention to his vehicle. In effect, the M113 served as cover for the infantry. One FPV drone exploded above the armored personnel carrier’s hatch. The second pierced the side of the vehicle. Lucky sustained numerous shrapnel wounds and a severe concussion. Despite this, the main mission was accomplished—the Ukrainian infantrymen survived.

 

After receiving medical treatment, the soldier returned to duty. Now he wants to share his experience with other service members and teach them how to operate military equipment. The war, he says, taught him to keep a cool head even when decisions must be made in a matter of seconds. In the Kharkiv region alone, Lucky towed nine damaged combat vehicles to safety.

 

“I could start drawing checkmarks on the armor for every vehicle I’ve evacuated,” the border guard jokes. In the “Shkval” unit, he values the people most of all. He says that what matters most to him are commanders who prioritize the lives of soldiers over equipment, and comrades who never abandon their own. “Even if something happens to a vehicle—that’s secondary. The commander always insists on starting the report with an update on the guys’ condition and mine,” Laki explains.

 

For those just preparing for military service, he advises gaining practical skills even before mobilization. In his opinion, they can come in handy during service. After the war, Lucky dreams of a normal life. He wants to catch his breath, return to civilian life, and start a family of his own. But as long as the war continues, he’ll once again take the controls of his M113. His mission remains the same—to evacuate and protect his comrades.

 

You can join the 7th Carpathian Border Guard Detachment in Lviv at 74 Lychakivska Street. You can fill out the application form online. Contact numbers for additional information: +38 (067) 292 51 19 and +38 (067) 181 60 31.

As a reminder, over the past 24 hours, Russian invaders suffered 1,520 casualties. One tank, five armored combat vehicles, and 73 artillery systems were also destroyed.

Occupied Donetsk and a significant portion of the region’s territory temporarily seized by Russian terrorists were left without power on September 18. 

On the night of Saturday, September 19, the Russian terrorist army struck Pavlohrad. A fire has been reported.