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FEARLESS: Ukrainian man crushed by APC tank wants to join defense forces after he recovers

The 53-year-old man who was driving the sedan crushed by the tank said that he plans to join Ukrainian forces after he is released from the hospital

A Ukrainian man who somehow survived after his car was run over by a tank has now revealed that he plans to join Ukraine's territorial defense forces as soon as he recovers.

Shocking footage emerged shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his troops across the border into Ukraine on Thursday, February 24, showing an anti-aircraft APC tank crushing a civilian vehicle in the country's capital Kyiv. The tank was reportedly looted by pro-Russian saboteurs and the incident sparked widespread outrage against the Russian military. The 53-year-old man who was driving the sedan has shared an update following his miraculous survival on his plans once he's released from the hospital.

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MEAWW previously reported how witnesses shared videos of the Strela-10 anti-aircraft tank moving through the streets as it drove over pavements and appeared to lose control at one point. The rampage climaxed when the tank drove into the man's sedan next to a tram track, before reversing over the car once again. Further videos and photos showed civilians rushing to the driver's aid, who survived the ordeal after passers-by freed him using an ax. According to the Ukrainian ministry of defense, the clash had been provoked by "an enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group." Kyiv officials noted that the "enemy" was in Obolon at the time following multiple reports of Russian soldiers stealing Ukrainian uniforms and vehicles before heading to the capital.

The man, who wasn't identified, reflected on the incident from his hospital bed, remembering how the tank "veered suddenly" into his lane and "hit" him. "There were no other cars on the road. [The armored vehicle] veered suddenly into my lane and hit me. Then it reversed," he said, as quoted by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. "It's good that I was alone in the car. What if there were children inside? It's impossible to imagine what would have happened," he added.

Bystanders rushed to his aid and "started to bend the metal" immediately. However, the man's chest "was pressed down by an airbag" and he was "stuck hard" as the sedan was "crushed inside." He explained, "My left foot was stuck. My left arm and foot are broken. They called an ambulance which took me to hospital." He added through tears, "Guys, if you are watching this, thank you very much."

The video update showed a nurse who commented on the man's recovery and that he was now "breathing like a healthy man." He explained that he has plans to "get out" of the hospital as soon as he's feeling better, so he can "learn to walk again" and "join the territorial defense forces." He concluded, "Something needs to be done about this."

Russian tanks have ravaged major cities across Ukraine since the invasion. They have been spotted with symbols such as the letter 'Z' on them. Experts believe such markings could indicate the destination of the vehicle or what tasks force it is a part of. Meanwhile, Ukrainian civilians have been seen on camera confronting the tanks simply by walking towards them in large groups.