Fulfilling a Dream: A Veteran Who Lost All Four Limbs Flies Above the Carpathians
For Mykola Shot, a 41-year-old war veteran and patient at the UNBROKEN center, the sky was the next frontier. The Carpathian Mountains in western Ukraine, known for adventure sports, provided the backdrop for his latest achievement. After losing all four limbs in a severe battle injury, he has continued to chase new milestones—and recently added paragliding to that list.
The tandem flight took off above the Pylypets ski resort. Mykola, who also serves as a mentor at UNBROKEN, sustained a mine blast wound in 2024 while fighting near Bakhmut, which cost him all four limbs. To him, the flight was far more than a thrill—it became a powerful step in his ongoing recovery and a reflection of his unyielding spirit.
A Spirit That Keeps Pushing Forward
Shot joined the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade "Kholodny Yar" in the opening days of the full-scale invasion. After his injury, he kept taking on physical challenges, including races using prosthetic legs, skiing trips, and driving an adaptive car. These efforts show a man determined to keep living boldly and experiencing the world from new angles.
The paragliding flight was organized by the UNBROKEN team together with the 7 Nebo aeroclub, with instructor Andriy Zhuk soaring alongside Shot. “Words can't describe it. You were all so small from above. It was absolutely amazing!” Shot said.
Zhuk, who leads the 7nebo.borzhava team, underlined that mental strength is the key: “When a person has a strong spirit, nothing is impossible. Your willpower and spirit give you wings—we only help you take off.”
This sentiment captures both the event and Shot’s ongoing story. Despite every obstacle, he continues to move forward, inspiring others to aim high. His flight is not just a personal triumph—it also demonstrates the vital role of organizations like UNBROKEN in helping people with disabilities rebuild their lives and fulfill their ambitions.