David Rauser was at the entrance of an improvised Russian bunker in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region in November. The former Alberta firefighter, now a soldier, held his automatic weapon tightly as he looked into the shelter covered by a large plastic tarp.
Inside, Russian voices questioned the intruders in the darkness. Rauser, with his second-in-command close by, shouted in Russian for the occupants to surrender. When met with silence, he resorted to opening fire. A camera attached to his helmet captured the ensuing gunfire aimed at him from outside the bunker.
Amidst the chaos, Rauser, aged 40, was mistakenly shot by a new team member who confused him for a Russian. The friendly fire incident occurred on Nov. 10, 2025, during his most intense mission in the 10 months he served with the 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade in Ukraine. He recounted the events from Ternopil, western Ukraine, to CBC News.
After being hospitalized, Rauser is now awaiting paperwork to potentially return to Canada temporarily. Several Canadians, including Rauser, have been injured or killed in the conflict since Russia’s full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.
Rauser reflected on his near-death experience, emphasizing the terrifying nature of war. He expressed gratitude for surviving despite being shot in the head and arm.
Following the incident, Rauser was hospitalized for almost two months, undergoing treatment in Kyiv and western Ukraine. Despite his significant recovery, he acknowledged that the injury had changed him permanently.
Growing up in Ukraine and Russia, Rauser had a deep connection to the region, having spent years living there during his childhood. After returning to Canada as a teenager, he closely followed the escalating conflict in Ukraine and eventually decided to join the fight in 2024.
Initially lacking military experience, Rauser underwent training and was deployed to the front line. His firefighting background in Alberta equipped him with skills that proved valuable in the intense combat environment.
Rauser’s experiences in Ukraine included facing challenges such as drone attacks and Russian incursions behind Ukrainian lines. Despite the dangers, he remained committed to his mission, helping clear out enemy positions alongside his team.
Currently considering a job offer to return as a trainer in Ukraine, Rauser is planning a visit to Canada for additional medical treatment. He remains cautious about the prospects of peace in Ukraine, highlighting the complexities of negotiations and the need for global support to resolve the conflict.
As Rauser follows the developments from western Ukraine, he hopes for a positive outcome from the ongoing turbulence, emphasizing the importance of European solidarity and support for Ukraine amidst the geopolitical challenges.