In February 2023, while performing a combat mission in Bakhmut, a Russian shell exploded near Vitaliy. The soldier was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, contusion, fractures of the bones of the facial skull, an open fracture of the lower jaw, a heart contusion, perforating wounds to the eye sockets, thermal burns of the eyes, and, as a result, total destruction of both eyes. But these factors did not stop him. He appears in public space more and more. He delivers important messages about helping the military and veterans.