Heroes among us: surgeon in Odesa region continued surgery during Russian attack

The aftermath of the Russian shelling of Chornomorsk, 31 December 2025. Photo: Odesa RMA

During today's Russian shelling of Chornomorsk, the head of the surgical department of the city hospital, Mohammed Zakaria, did not stop the operation despite the explosions.

According to the head of the Odesa Regional Medical Association, Oleh Kiper, the blast wave smashed the glass in the operating room, and the doctor was injured.

«At the time of today's terrorist attack on Chornomorsk, Mohammed Zakaria, head of the surgical department of the city hospital, was performing a surgery. Despite the buzzing of drones and explosions, he did not stop, saving the man's health. The blast wave shattered the glass in the operating theatre, and the surgeon was injured,» he said.

According to him, even after a difficult night, Mohammed Zakaria returned to the hospital in the morning to continue saving lives.

«After a difficult night, in the morning Mohammed Akhmetovych went to work and continues to save lives. Thank you for your dedication and steadfastness! Ukraine is holding on thanks to such people», the head of the RMA thanked.

Mohammed Zakaria, head of the surgical department of the city hospital. Photo: Odesa Regional Military Administration

As a reminder, four people were injured in Odesa region as a result of a drone attack in Chornomorsk on the night of 31 January. The shelling damaged the city hospital, a private house, an administrative building, a grain warehouse and trucks.