Ukrainian soldier regains movement after Latvian treatment
Monday 17th August 2026 on 19:30 in
Latvia
Ukrainian soldier Serhijs Dzons has regained feeling and movement in his left hand after treatment by Latvian microsurgeons, LSM reported. He is receiving rehabilitation at the Jaunķemeri rehabilitation centre and is due to undergo another spinal operation on September 4.
Dzons is one of about 40 Ukrainian soldiers currently undergoing rehabilitation at Jaunķemeri. He learned about the planned operation during a medical consultation in Riga.
“My back was injured. The nerves had to be stitched. My left arm did not work. I underwent spinal surgery. The entire left side of my body was not functioning,” Dzons said.
Although he could walk, he was unable to keep his balance or move where he wanted without support. He said he was constantly pulled towards his left side and could not move forward without a cane, a wall or something else to lean on.
He can now walk at a fairly brisk pace with the help of a cane. Dzons praised the professionalism of the Latvian specialists, saying his hand now functions fully.
“My palm was completely immobile, and I could not feel it at all. My nerves had been severed. The microsurgeons operated for many hours, but they stitched them back together. After six months, I could feel my hand fully. I can still feel it and use it for work. That is a lot,” he said.
Before the war, Dzons was a businessman in Vinnytsia and had his own company, which he had to close. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, he volunteered for military service so that his 10-year-old son could live in peace.
His back was injured in explosions in the Luhansk region. He said he would have to live with the consequences for the rest of his life, including restrictions on lifting heavy objects and making sudden movements.
LSM and the charity Ziedot.lv are collecting donations to provide comprehensive rehabilitation for Ukrainian soldiers. Donations can be made by calling 90204113, with the call costing 5 euros including value-added tax, or online through Ziedot.lv.