Ministry of Internal Affairs 'Unbreakable' Campaign: The Story of National Guard Sergeant Vladyslav 'Bulat' Lebid
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, in partnership with OBOZ.UA, has released a feature on National Guard of Ukraine Sergeant Vladyslav Lebid, known by his call sign Bulat. As part of the MIA's 'Unbreakable' initiative, Vladyslav recounts his journey—from being wounded on the front lines to training with prosthetic limbs and aiming to compete in the international Oceanman event.
Originally from Zaporizhzhia, Vladyslav joined the National Guard in early 2024. His unit was soon deployed to the Pokrovsk sector and later to the Kupiansk front. During his service, he operated unmanned aerial vehicles, eventually rising to the role of squad leader and later platoon commander.
While carrying out a combat mission, Vladyslav was injured in an explosion as he exited a dugout. He recalls:
'I had just stepped out of the shelter when the blast happened. My brothers-in-arms were right there—they applied tourniquets and pulled me out. I was incredibly lucky that our evacuation vehicle was nearby.' Vladyslav Lebid
Since childhood, Vladyslav has been active in swimming, football, martial arts, and boxing. Later, he trained intensively in the gym, on pull-up bars, and parallel bars. Today, the sergeant trains daily, learning to walk with prosthetics and focusing on swimming. His immediate goal is to take part in the international Oceanman competition—a milestone that marks a new chapter in both his personal life and career.
Vladyslav Lebid’s story stands as a powerful testament to the courage and resilience of Ukrainian soldiers who, despite severe injuries, refuse to give up hope and continue fighting for their future. His ambition to compete globally reflects not only a drive for physical recovery but also a desire to remain active in sports, serving as an inspiration to many other veterans. This account also underscores the critical need for supporting military personnel as they reintegrate into civilian life after service.