Oleksii Mukhin began his service in Novotroitske in 2019.

"I am originally from Khmelnytskyi, but I chose the eastern borders because I wanted to change my everyday life. At that time, I did not know that I would have to go through so many trials," the border guard shared.

For over three years, the young man served in the eastern part of the country, paired with a four-legged companion, where he encountered a full-scale invasion.

"On the eve of the invasion, we were armed and in constant combat readiness. The morning of February 24 started with massive shelling. I only had time to take my four-legged companion, and our unit left for Volnovakha. From there, we defended our territories... The hardest part was losing comrades with whom I had been side by side for a long time," Oleksii recalled.

For over half a year, the canine handler carried out tasks in defense of Ukraine on the eastern frontiers. Upon rotation, he decided to return to his beloved profession – canine handling. Currently, he is mastering new knowledge and skills with his new four-legged partner.

"Now I have a new companion, a Belgian Shepherd named Zhana. She is learning skills for searching for narcotics. Volunteers helped evacuate my previous partner, with whom I faced the invasion, back home to my parents," the canine handler explained.

Later, Oleksii plans to continue his service in the educational institution of the State Border Guard Service, where he, along with his four-legged partner Zhana, will share knowledge and experience with newly trained canine handlers.