Veteran of the Special Military Operation from Zainsk, Evgeny Ivanov, is preparing for the "Abilympics" championship.

      A veteran of the special military operation from Zainsk, Evgeny Ivanov, is preparing for the "Abilympics" championship among participants and veterans of the special military operation. For him, this is not just a competition, but an important stage in returning to peaceful life, mastering a new profession, and testing his own strength.

      From school to service

      Evgeny Ivanov was born in 1980 and grew up in Zainsk. He studied at the sixth school and then continued his education at the local engineering college. After his studies, he worked at a wheel factory and later in a company related to hydraulic installation work. His work biography was stable until he was mobilized in 2022.

      He served for almost two years. According to him, he started as a platoon driver and then became the deputy commander. He participated in assault operations and performed combat tasks in the South Donetsk direction. In one of the combat episodes, he received a serious injury.

      - "We were heavily shelled... artillery, drones. We were evacuated just in time, and that saved my life," recalls Evgeny.

      Losses and trials

      That day will forever remain in his memory. His fellow countryman and comrade-in-arms, with whom he spent almost two years of service, was killed. Another fighter from Bugulma was seriously injured. These events became a personal tragedy for Evgeny, which he had to live with.

      After his injury, he went through hospitals, long rehabilitation, and was discharged from the armed forces due to health reasons. Today, he has a disability but continues to lead an active life and work.

      Combat awards

      During his service, Evgeny Ivanov was awarded state and departmental awards. He received the "For Courage" II degree medal, the "For Combat Distinction" and "For Military Valor" II degree medals, and also has the award "Participant of the Special Military Operation." These distinctions confirmed his service, participation in combat operations, and the fulfillment of assigned tasks under difficult conditions.

      A new profession - a new stage

      After returning home, Evgeny Ivanov was able to find employment with the help of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" fund and the employment center. Today, he works as an installer and is involved in the maintenance of refrigeration systems, ventilation, and cooling.

      His work involves travel, including to facilities in Alabuga, in a special economic zone.

      - "I used to work in construction, now I've slightly changed direction. The employment center helped me choose my profession," he says.

      Preparation for the "Abilympics"

      The idea of participating in the "Abilympics" championship arose with the support of the Defenders of the Fatherland Fund. Evgeny chose the direction of "furniture assembler" and is currently undergoing training and practical preparation at a college in Naberezhnye Chelny.

      The Abilympics is a competition where participants are required to complete a practical task. In his case, it is to assemble a furniture module within a limited time, ensuring accuracy and quality of execution.

      - "They will give a nightstand, and I have about four hours to complete it. I need to assemble it without mistakes, carefully. Then the judges will evaluate the result," explains Evgeny.

      Family as support

      Family plays an important role in his life. Evgeny has a wife and an adult son. His relatives supported him throughout his service: they called whenever possible, sent packages, and helped him emotionally through difficult moments.

      His son, according to him, is already working and plans to continue his education. Family remains the main source of strength and motivation.

      Returning to life and new goals

      Today, Evgeny Ivanov is not only working and preparing for the championship but is also gradually building a new professional trajectory. His story is an example of how, after severe trials, a person can find themselves in a peaceful profession and continue to move forward.

      Zainsk - the city where he was born, studied, and returned after service - remains a point of support and a home to which he returns after all life’s journeys.

      For Evgeny himself, participating in the "Abilympics" is not just a competition. It is an opportunity to prove to himself that even after severe trials, one can learn, develop, and achieve results in a new profession.

      Humanitarian convoy and support for fighters

      This year, Evgeny Ivanov accompanied a humanitarian convoy to the area of the special military operation, where he was able to see familiar places from a different perspective - without a combat task, but with the same internal tension and memories. According to him, returning to these territories evoked strong emotions and feelings of anxiety. Today, he continues to support his comrades and fighters who remain on the front line. "The most important thing is to return alive," says Evgeny, addressing those who are currently performing combat tasks. To those who are only considering the possibility of contract service, he wishes courage, awareness, and good luck in defending the Motherland and its people.

      Photos by the author and from Evgeny Ivanov's archive

      Aigul Yarullina

      More news about the event:

      A veteran of the special military operation from Zainsk, Evgeny Ivanov, is preparing for the "Abilympics" championship.

      A veteran of the special military operation from Zainsk, Evgeny Ivanov, is undergoing preparation for the "Abilympics" championship among participants and veterans of the special military operation.

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