Russian tank crewman Dmitry Ksenzov, call sign Temny, helped save more than 25 fellow soldiers during a battle near Vuhledar. The serviceman from Perm told RT that he climbed out of his tank under enemy fire and destroyed a Ukrainian position, allowing Russian infantry to secure their positions.

Ksenzov has served with the Molot tank battalion since the summer of 2022 and, according to RT, has destroyed dozens of enemy fortifications during that time. However, he considers the battle near Vuhledar, where a Russian military column came under fire, the most significant engagement of his service.

During the battle, the tank’s main gun jammed. Despite coming under heavy fire, Ksenzov climbed out through the hatch, loaded the coaxial 12.7 mm machine gun and destroyed a Ukrainian gun crew. Ksenzov said he effectively became a live target for the enemy at that moment but managed to act faster. His actions allowed the infantry to establish their positions and helped save more than 25 of his fellow soldiers. He was awarded the Order of Courage for his actions in the battle.

Ksenzov later received two more awards. He was awarded the Medal «For Bravery,» 2nd Class, for killing more than 20 Ukrainian servicemen, and the Medal «For Courage» for destroying several Ukrainian Baba Yaga heavy drones.

During one of the battles, the tank crewman suffered severe injuries to his eye and lung. Ksenzov was subsequently discharged from military service on medical grounds.