Zakhar Biriukov, 37. Callsign: “Berkut.”
A veteran of Ukraine’s SOF.
Sniper. Combat engineer. Diver.
He dreamed of a peaceful life with his wife Yulia.
Then came russia.
This story is not about what war took from him.
It’s about what it couldn’t take away.
1/6
A veteran of Ukraine’s SOF.
Sniper. Combat engineer. Diver.
He dreamed of a peaceful life with his wife Yulia.
Then came russia.
This story is not about what war took from him.
It’s about what it couldn’t take away.
1/6
July 17, 2022. A UAV operation. Then — an explosion.
“My hands were blown off instantly…” Zakhar recalls.
He lost both arms, his right leg, one eye, and part of his hearing.
He survived a coma.
Dozens of surgeries.
Most people would break.
Zakhar started over.
2/6
“My hands were blown off instantly…” Zakhar recalls.
He lost both arms, his right leg, one eye, and part of his hearing.
He survived a coma.
Dozens of surgeries.
Most people would break.
Zakhar started over.
2/6
Through it all, Yulia stayed by his side.
His wife. His support.
The person who never left him for a second.
From intensive care to the first steps of a new life, she was there.
Zakhar says:
“A soldier’s wife is endless love and strength.”
3/6
His wife. His support.
The person who never left him for a second.
From intensive care to the first steps of a new life, she was there.
Zakhar says:
“A soldier’s wife is endless love and strength.”
3/6
Their story is about a love that survived everything.
About two people walking through darkness together.
About support that saves lives.
Zakhar dreams of dancing a waltz with Yulia one day.
And after everything they’ve overcome, nothing feels impossible.
4/6
About two people walking through darkness together.
About support that saves lives.
Zakhar dreams of dancing a waltz with Yulia one day.
And after everything they’ve overcome, nothing feels impossible.
4/6
In November 2025, Zakhar became the first Ukrainian with triple amputations to climb Hoverla.
A national record.
Today he works at Superhumans, studies psychology, paints without hands, and even plays the piano.
His words:
“The only limits are in your head.”
5/6
A national record.
Today he works at Superhumans, studies psychology, paints without hands, and even plays the piano.
His words:
“The only limits are in your head.”
5/6
Zakhar and Yulia Biriukov are proof that love and the human spirit are stronger than war.
While russia tries to break people, Ukrainians keep proving they cannot be broken.
Support Ukrainian veterans.
Share their stories.
His Instagram:
6/6 instagram.com/zakhar_berkut1…
While russia tries to break people, Ukrainians keep proving they cannot be broken.
Support Ukrainian veterans.
Share their stories.
His Instagram:
6/6 instagram.com/zakhar_berkut1…
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
