Ruben Mavik, a German citizen, came to Ukraine from Dortmund at the age of 20 to work as a paramedic at the front. He saved wounded soldiers in the combat zone, particularly in the Bakhmut area. His story was reported by the UNITED24 platform.
In September 2023, during a mission near Bakhmut, the vehicle Ruben was in was hit by a Russian anti-tank missile. He was severely burned in the explosion, but managed to escape by crawling to the light from the car on fire. His colleague Emma was killed nearby, while his other colleagues, Johan and Tonko, together with Ruben, reached the Ukrainian military, who helped evacuate them from the shelling zone.
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After extensive treatment in Germany, including several therapy sessions, Ruben has almost completely recovered. There are still fragments in his body, but this did not stop him from returning to Ukraine with new rescue missions.
Now he is actively raising funds to support paramedics and continues to help Ukrainians. In his comments, Ruben emphasizes that the war continues despite his personal trauma, and he has no moral right to stand aside.
“I realized that anything can happen at any time. But children are still dying there. I have to continue,” he told reporters.
Reuben’s story is another example of international support for Ukraine and the dedication of people who, without being citizens of our country, risk their lives to save others.
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