Russian Ex-Serviceman Who Lost Both Legs Reaches the Summit of Everest

Kathmandu. Russian former serviceman Rustam Nabiev, who lost both of his legs when a military barracks collapsed in Russia in 2015, has achieved an extraordinary feat in the field of mountaineering by climbing Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak.

Nabiev, who has no legs, drew global attention by reaching the summit of Everest using only the strength of his hands, without relying on prosthetic legs. According to international media reports, he has become the first double-leg amputee climber to scale Everest using his arms alone. He announced that he reached the summit of Everest at 8:16 am on May 20, 2026.

Rustam Nabiev is a former Russian soldier. He lost both of his legs in 2015 when a military barracks collapsed in Russia. Following the incident, he underwent a long period of treatment and rehabilitation, and through rigorous training, he gradually turned toward adventure sports and mountaineering.

Nabiev began this Everest expedition on the occasion of his 34th birthday. During the physically demanding climb, he relied on the strength of his upper body and arms to cross the difficult Himalayan route. Even for ordinary climbers, the Everest ascent involves serious challenges such as the Khumbu Icefall, steep icy slopes, extreme cold, lack of oxygen and unpredictable weather.

His achievement is being regarded as an extraordinary example of human willpower, patience and self-confidence in the history of mountaineering. Nabiev’s successful ascent has sent a powerful message that mental determination and continuous effort can rise above physical limitations.

Nabiev had already achieved notable success in high-altitude mountaineering before this expedition. In 2021, he gained attention after climbing Nepal’s Manaslu. Since then, he has remained active in his mission to climb some of the world’s highest mountains.

After his Everest ascent, Nabiev’s name has received wide coverage in international media. Various media outlets have described his success as an inspiring example of how willpower and discipline can make even seemingly impossible goals achievable.

For Nepal, Nabiev’s ascent has also become a matter of special interest. Mount Everest has long stood as a global symbol of courage, challenge and pride for climbers around the world. Such an extraordinary ascent has once again brought Nepal’s mountain tourism, adventure sports and Himalayan identity into international focus.

Nabiev’s journey is not only a personal success story but also an inspiring message for people living with physical disabilities. His achievement has strengthened the belief that even after difficult circumstances, life can move forward with a renewed purpose, discipline and courage.