Mykola was forced to work physically long hours under extreme weather conditions (in Siberia in winter it drops to -40°).

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He worked underground mining metal ores. People were not given any protective equipment and therefore, Mykola's lungs were damaged. One day there was a mining accident many men were trapped underground and Mykola was one of them. He was rescued but because he was pulled out with the use of metal cables his organs and spine were damaged. He got to the hospital and had a long rehabilitation. 

 

Due to the working conditions, Mykola's health was very poor, he almost died several times, and lost more than 40 kilograms (in his 40s he weighed 45kg).