Yaroslav Polezhaiev, war veteran and Ukraine amputee football player, dies

Military experience and injury

Yaroslav Polezhaiev, born on 13 November 1995 in the Donetsk region, was a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war. His first mobilisation took place in 2016, when he served near Mariupol.

Following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in March 2022, Polezhaiev joined the 23rd Separate Mechanised Infantry Battalion "Khortytsia". In the unit, he served as a scout, using the callsign "Yakudza".

In July 2023, near the city of Lyman, the soldier sustained a serious injury. The consequences of this injury led to the amputation of his leg.

Sports career in amputee football

Despite his disability, Yaroslav continued to engage in sports. He became an amputee football player, competing in official tournaments for the teams "Shakhtar-Stalevi" (Donetsk) and "Kolos-Bureviy" (Kyiv region).

In 2024, Polezhaiev was called up to the Ukraine amputee football national team.

Death announcement

His death was announced on the official social media page of the "Kolos-Bureviy" team. The veteran is survived by his wife and young daughter.