A participant in the landing on Gostomel with a prosthetic arm conquered Elbrus

Air Defense Forces veteran and paratrooper Sergei Pritula from Ulyanovsk, who was seriously wounded and lost an arm near Popasnaya, decided to challenge Elbrus and climb Russia's highest peak after rehabilitation.

Prytula participated in the famous landing on Gostomel Airport near Kyiv, then was transferred to the Kharkiv sector, and soon took part in the offensive on Popasna, during which he found himself in an armored vehicle that was hit by an enemy missile. This was followed by extensive treatment—several surgeries and months in hospitals. Thanks to diligent training, Serhiy was able to recover and became involved in the Paralympic movement. Last winter, he received a sports prosthesis from the Orion Foundation, which led to the idea of ​​climbing Elbrus.

Pritula began daily training – training in climbing in snow and wind conditions, and using an ice axe – continued throughout July.

Ultimately, Sergei and a group of like-minded climbers reached the summit, falling just 800 meters short of the peak. Due to difficult conditions, the organizers decided to abort the climb—team safety comes first.

"Now another goal has been achieved. Not in full, but there's reason to return," said Prytula.

He continues to pursue other sports – the veteran has taken up skiing, developed a serious interest in biathlon, and this summer took part in the "Russia" cycling race organized by the " League of Heroes " along the historic Vladimir-Suzdal route. With a special arm prosthesis, Sergei successfully covered the 85 kilometers in 2 hours 54 minutes. That's a truly remarkable result!

As a reminder, the Orion Foundation has already completed over 140 humanitarian missions . These include food, bedding, hygiene products, clothing, household and office equipment, furniture, equipment for schools and boarding schools, sports equipment, and uniforms for residents of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics (DPR), Luhansk and Kherson Oblasts.

Orion has supplied hospitals and clinics with over 700 pieces of equipment, including diagnostic equipment, life support systems, ward and operating room equipment, and medications.

More than 200 prostheses have been installed for veterans of the Central Military District.

The foundation's board of trustees is chaired by Ksenia Shoigu. Other members include: Edgard Zapashny, director of the Great Moscow State Circus and People's Artist of Russia; actor and director Ivan Okhlobystin; and State Duma deputy and People's Artist Dmitry Pevtsov. The foundation's activities are supported by many prominent figures in the country. People's Artist Serhiy Garmash leads Orion's humanitarian missions to the Kherson region.