An A-grader, environmentalist, industrialist, and now an experienced warrior and the main pilot of the EnergyDAR combat crew, deftly destroys enemy Grads and brings peaceful life closer.
The skilled drone operator Fix has been at the front since the spring of 2024, now defending Ukraine at the Zaporizhzhia frontline. Before the pixel, the only uniform in his life was Zaporizhstal overalls: after receiving higher education with honours at ZNU, the young specialist worked in the Department of Environmental Protection. Of course, working at the plant and serving in the army are not the same thing. However, Fix assures: He was lucky everywhere with teams.
"Your work may be related to steel production or the defence of the Motherland, but wherever you work, no matter what you do, confidence in the people by your side, trust and willingness to support, to "brainstorm" a difficult situation together are equally important. I had such a team at the plant – and in the service I was pretty lucky to defend the country in the same formation with decent, reliable people.”
The guy was mobilized into the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on a summons. The young man did not hesitate – he went to the Territorial Recruiting and Social Support Centre, and chose a specialty on his own from a recruiter of the 110th brigade of the Territorial Defence. He was always interested in working with technology, so he chose a suitable profession for himself – navigator of a battalion of unmanned systems as part of the 110th brigade.
The crew commander with the call sign Partizan recalls: "I saw a lot of potential: Fix is capable and talented. He began to fly quickly and skilfully. Therefore, I put him as the main pilot, and took on the duties of a navigator. He learned everything himself!"
Here Fix's passion for technology came in handy: together with his fellow crew members of the EnergyDAR battalion of the 110th Brigade unmanned systems, he implemented a technological solution that allows significantly increasing the range of drones – and, accordingly, fly even deeper into enemy combat positions and destroy its resources.
"We began to use military firmware, switching channels in the air. The enemy was not ready for such a range of ours. During the day, we could destroy several motorcycles and cars. Logistics immediately stopped," says Fix.
During the service, Fix does not lose contact with the Zaporizhstal team.
"From the first days of my service, colleagues helped and supported me: foods, medicines, a sleeping bag and much more were sent. And now we are in touch: they worry, ask how things are doing, how they can help, congratulate me on important dates and birthdays. Such indifference warms the soul," says the soldier.
With no less warmth they talk about Fix and his colleagues from Zaporizhstal. "People like him are worth their weight in gold everywhere: A very smart specialist, scrupulous – he will always understand everything, get to the bottom of it. He did not need to be monitored or reminded of tasks: He did everything qualitatively, on time, thoughtfully. It was enough only to explain a question once – and it was enough for him to figure it out. Often he also taught us himself, helped us master new programs and solutions in our work. There is no doubt that in his unit he is valued no less than we in our team," says Veronika RAZINA, Head of the Air Basin Research Department of the Department of Environmental Protection of Zaporizhstal, with a smile.
Each departure to a combat mission is always a risk and danger. However, Fix says: There is no place for emotions or anxieties on the front line. At such moments, there is only a goal, a mission, there is a desire to get out of the combat mission with maximum effect.
"We have a sign when we go on a combat mission: if we see some game on the way, it means that the operation will be successful," Fix shares.
By mastering intense concentration and focusing solely on the desired outcome, Fix has learned to manage the stress of being on the front line. This approach helps channel all his attention in the right direction, avoiding distractions and staying on course.
Attentiveness, quick wit, rapid response, and inventiveness – these are Fix’s signature traits that set him apart within the team of metallurgists. They came in handy in the army – even more than in civilian life. Fix assures: Among sworn brothers, where everyone does everything possible to the maximum – it cannot be otherwise. And the results of the crew speak for themselves.
"One and a half to two months ago, we hit an enemy Grad. This was the first MLRS on the brigade's account. Having been in service for 1.5 years, I can confidently say: Destroying such a target is not an accidental success of one person, but a well-coordinated work of the whole team. I know exactly what we're here for and why it's important: Each such destroyed system is a saved life. The more enemy resources are destroyed, the more protected our homes, our people, and our cities will be. The occupiers have no place in Ukraine – this is our land and we defend it," the fighter Fix is convinced.
As a reminder since the start of the full-scale invasion, more than 1,300 workers from Zaporizhstal have joined the ranks of the Ukrainian army to defend their country.
