Ukrainian man severely injured by Russian shelling discharged from Japanese hospital

CHIBA -- A Ukrainian man who had been receiving treatment in Japan for severe injuries to his legs inflicted by Russian artillery fire was discharged from a hospital here on Aug. 26.

Speaking in Japanese, 38-year-old Anton Kornishuk told a press conference at Chiba University Hospital the same day, "I'd like to convey my heartfelt thanks to everyone who was involved with my case."

Kornishuk was caught in Russian shelling as he was helping a resident evacuate from the city of Irpin, near the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, on March 25. His right shin bone was shattered and part of his left Achilles tendon was torn out. Though he received emergency aid at a hospital in Kyiv, he sought further treatment in Japan because he had been studying Japanese at a university in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. Through his instructors' connections, Chiba University Hospital decided to accept him, and he arrived in Japan on May 21.

Kornishuk's left leg is healing smoothly and he has recovered enough to walk. However, he still has a brace on his right leg and is continuing treatment. He plans to stay in Japan until he completely recovers. With the help of a support group, he has moved into an apartment near the hospital while he continues his rehabilitation.

While he wishes to go home to "contribute to the victory in the battle against the invaders," he also plans to keep studying Japanese while here, and interact with Japanese people and Ukrainian evacuees in the country. He added, "I want to tell people about the current situation in Ukraine."

(Japanese original by Daisuke Wada, Photo Group)