A steelmaker from a military family, Yurii Arkusha knew for sure back in 2014 that the integrity and independence of Ukraine must be protected. He joined the army in early 2015 because he felt so in his heart, and the final impetus for this was the return of a good friend "on a shield" from the combat zone.
Then there was rifle work in a fire support company, the first number on an easel grenade launcher - an anti-personnel unit that also effectively targets unarmored and lightly armored vehicles. In the Izyum direction, a soldier from Kamet-Steel received the Golden Cross.
The Golden Cross is awarded to soldiers for special achievements in combat missions and personal courage. Yurii Arkusha recalls his experience with his characteristic wit, although he was not in the mood to laugh at that moment. He had to hold back a tank breakthrough using disposable grenade launchers, which are ineffective against tanks.
“So, I poked and prodded that tank until it couldn’t take it anymore, turned away, started maneuvering and ran straight into an anti-tank mine, its turret was blown away. I found myself under fierce fire, but I saved the neighbouring unit. I received the Golden Cross from General Zaluzhnyi. I was in the hospital after being wounded, on the verge of consciousness the whole time, but I am sure that I saw the commander next to me and heard his voice.”
For almost two and a half years of full-scale war, Yurii worked in the hottest spots in various directions as part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Reliable support during combat was provided to him by his friends, including the blast furnace workers, who used every opportunity to call, help with accoutrements, and bring such necessary news from the rear. Metinvest also remained among these friends - providing support, humanitarian assistance to the family, and material compensation after being wounded.
“Time loses its essence there, in some, very hot, cases you don’t even realize how many days have passed. Bakhmut was the most difficult period for me, it was there that I received three injuries, the last one quite severe, after which I was demobilized and returned to my hometown, to my family and to Kamet-Steel.”