"Panda" from Zainsk: three wounds, the medal "For Courage," and poems for friends

      At 29 years old, Alexey from Zainsk decided to go on a special operation under contract, following the example of his friends. A month later, he received his first injury, but after rehabilitation, he returned to duty. Today he has three injuries, a medal for courage, and a firm belief: true friendship is strong there.

      "I wanted to help the guys": how the journey began

      April 2024 became a turning point in the life of 29-year-old Zainsk resident Alexey. Many of his friends had already gone on special operations — some through mobilization, others under contract. He realized: his time had come.

      "Honestly, my mom was afraid that when mobilization started, a summons would come for me. I wanted to help the guys. After all, someone has to defend the country," Alexey recalls his decision.

      Thus, he found himself in a combat zone, receiving the call sign "Panda."

      Three injuries and returning to duty

      Just a month after his arrival, Alexey was injured. But this did not break his spirit. After rehabilitation, he resumed fulfilling his military duty. To date, the fighter has three injuries. During breaks between deployments, he returns home on leave, undergoes rehabilitation, and heads back to the front lines.

      "War greatly changes one's attitude towards life. Everything boils down to a simple and moral meaning: survive, help a comrade, and fulfill your military duty," says Alexey.

      Service in the Donetsk direction

      Alexey serves as a rifleman in the Donetsk direction, and he is currently a squad leader. Fate brought him an amazing encounter: in the same division was a guy named Denis. They studied together at the Zainsk Polytechnic College to become electricians, ten years passed, and the guys recognized each other already at the front.

      Support from the rear and children's letters

      The fighter speaks warmly of those who support the army from the rear:

      "We especially need camouflage nets and gloves. Volunteers send instant meals and meat. Support from the rear strengthens morale. And we carefully preserve children's letters," says "Panda."

      Award for courage and brotherhood at the front

      For his courage and bravery shown in battles, Alexey was awarded the medal for courage. He received this high honor for selflessness, bravery, and fearlessness. He has repeatedly had to evacuate wounded comrades from the battlefield.

      "Some have to help physically, some spiritually, to calm down, to provide first aid. There is true friendship among the guys. We care for each other like close relatives and serve as support," shares the fighter.

      Alexey is a creative person. He writes poetry, and among them are lines dedicated to his combat comrades. Even in war, he maintains the ability to express feelings through poetry.

      Alexey's parents sincerely worry about their son, who is far away on the battlefield. But at the same time, they are proud that they raised such a brave person. Their main wish is for their son and all the guys to return alive and healthy.

      Alexey himself is not afraid of difficulties. He considers it his duty to remain on guard for the country's safety and continues to fulfill the tasks set before him.

      Photo by the author

      Yulia Kazamarova

      More news about the event:

      "Panda" from Zainsk: three injuries, a medal for courage, and poems for friends

      At 29 years old, Alexey from Zainsk decided to go on a special operation under contract, following the example of his friends. 20:24 15.04.2026 News of Zainsk - Zainsk

      "Panda" from Zainsk: three injuries, a medal for courage, and poems for friends

      At 29 years old, Alexey from Zainsk decided to go on a special operation under contract, following the example of his friends. 20:06 15.04.2026 Zainsk-inform - Zainsk