Veteran Stories: After fighting in Donetsk, Andriy Burdyayev returned to his hometown business, contributing his experience and resilience to his community.

Every veteran's story is an incredible testament to the resilience and bravery of Ukrainians during the war, but it also raises an important question — the reintegration of veterans into society remains a significant challenge. The reintegration of veterans should be both material and moral. People need to know their stories and understand why they deserve respect and support. Veterans have given a part of themselves for the peace and safety of others, and society must embrace them with gratitude, rather than forcing them to adapt to a new reality alone. This requires a collaborative effort from the state, businesses, and the community: creating support programs, job opportunities, psychological assistance, and educational campaigns. The experiences of companies like Ferrexpo, which provide support to their veteran employees, show that such initiatives can change lives and help individuals feel valued.

The Story of Veteran Buryayev: A Volunteer Who Survived Hell and Returned

Olha Kaporina, a physics teacher from school No. 3 in the city of Horishni Plavni, shares the difficult moments of the war that transformed her life and that of her family. When the war intruded into her life, Olha felt a chilling fear and uncertainty. Her husband, Andriy, an employee of the Poltava Mining and Processing Plant, immediately decided to become a volunteer. This choice astonished her but also filled her with pride and faith in the strength of their family.

Andriy Buryayev, Olha's husband, made the decision to volunteer without hesitation. Despite his wife's concerns trying to dissuade him, he was resolute in his decision to defend Ukraine. "If I am not the one, if Fedya or Vasya are not the ones, then who is?" — these words became his internal justification. After completing sapper training, he found himself in the hottest spots on the front lines: Lysychansk, Soledar, Bilohorivka.

At the front, Andriy faced the hell of battles near Soledar, enduring constant shelling and cold. Amid the relentless bombardments and exhausting days of trench life, Andriy and his comrades held on thanks to their cohesion, mutual support, and humor. Stories about the combat cat Vasya, who survived a concussion, or the mouse named Petrovych, whom they rescued from certain death, became rays of light in those gloomy days.

An essential role in Andriy's life during the war was played by the support of his home enterprise. Ferrexpo, the Poltava Mining and Processing Plant, constantly sent essential supplies: from warm boots to quality first aid kits. Andriy recalls how these items elicited genuine admiration from his comrades, as each detail helped them survive in the harsh conditions of the front.

Olha also did not remain on the sidelines of the struggle. Her students, school colleagues, and the local plant supported the family: they raised funds for necessary supplies for the front, organized charity fairs, and sent equipment. Her school became not only a workplace but also a pillar that helped them cope with the challenges.

Return and Rehabilitation: How Veteran Andriy Buryayev Came Back to Civil Life and Work

Andriy's return after 16 days of continuous attacks was a true miracle, which the family attributes to divine mercy. The warm embraces of relatives, the joy of colleagues, and even a chance meeting with a woman whose husband is still fighting gave Andriy a sense of peace that he had been missing. Especially touching were the words of his wife, who had endured all hardships alongside him: "You were cold — I was cold too. You didn’t sleep — I didn’t sleep either."

Andriy's return home was accompanied by a challenging rehabilitation process, but thanks to Ferrexpo's support, which organized not only medical assistance but also family recreation, he was able to return to work. For Olha, this support is an example of how crucial it is to provide a reliable rear for those who are fighting.

The story of this family deserves to be heard, as it is a narrative about the choice to remain faithful to their country, to support loved ones, and to overcome all fears on the path to victory.

Andriy Buryayev is a person who has been accustomed to overcoming fears and discovering new horizons since childhood. Extreme hobbies, such as skydiving, prepared him for the trials brought by the war. However, nothing could prepare him for the choice he faced in February 2022 when Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

Andriy expresses particular gratitude to the volunteers and Ukrainians who continue to provide assistance. The drawings of children that adorned the walls of the dugouts, and the sweets that arrived in care packages, gave him the strength to move forward.

The story of Andriy and Olha is a tale of unity, courage, and humanity that helps withstand the toughest times.