In the corridors of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs, Serhii Vasyliev is known not only as a specialist who works with cadets. For many, he is a person whose story makes you look at life, willpower and true patriotism differently.

February 24, 2022 was a day that changed everything. While someone was waking up from the explosions and disturbing news, Serhii was already standing in line at the military registration and enlistment office. Without loud statements and pathos - simply because he could not stay away.
“For me, it was not just a war for the state - it was a fight for my family, my native home and the future of my children,” recalls Serhii.

In the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, he performed combat missions in Mykolaiv and Donetsk directions. Together with his comrades, he went through difficult battles, losses and moments that remain in his memory forever.
The most difficult battle took place near Lysychansk. A tank shell exploded, he was seriously injured, and he was in critical condition. At that time, Serhii's life was literally hanging by a thread.
"I remember only a few moments. My comrades pulled me out from under the shelling, and the doctors did everything possible to ensure that I survived," the veteran says.

There were complex operations, long treatment and months of rehabilitation ahead. Serhii lost his leg due to the injury, but he admits that the hardest thing was not physically, but morally - to accept the new reality and learn to live on.
But even after the most difficult trials, he did not allow himself to give up.
An important stage on the path to a new life was the barrier-free driving school of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs. It was there that Serhii mastered driving a car with manual control and felt independence again.

“During the training, I realized one simple thing: a person with an injury can live a full life, work, drive a car and not lose themselves. And this is very important today for many veterans,” he says.

Today, Serhii Vasyliev works as a specialist in the educational and social and humanitarian work group of the ERI No. 4 of KhNUIA. He holds meetings with cadets, organizes events, excursions and actively participates in university life.
He is listened to carefully, because before the young people he is a person who went through the war not from TV screens, but in reality.

During communication with cadets, Serhii often talks not only about service, but also about life principles.

“Today it is very important to learn to analyze information, think for yourself and always remain human – regardless of the circumstances,” he is convinced.
In addition to work, the veteran is actively involved in sports, participates in sitting volleyball competitions, and also represented the university at the “Indestructible” swimming competitions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
“Sports really help to keep you going. It’s not only about physical fitness, but also about inner strength and motivation to move forward,” says Serhii.
Despite everything he has experienced, there is no bitterness or disappointment in his words. On the contrary, there is a lot of faith and confidence.

“In any situation, you need to look for the light. Respect your parents, your country, and don’t lose faith. Ukraine will definitely win, and together we will rebuild it,” says Serhii.