Rustam Nabiev, ex-Russian soldier with no legs, becomes first to climb Everest using only arms

A former soldier who lost both legs in 2015 reaches the world’s highest peak, dedicating the climb to people facing life challenges

Photo: NDTV

Russian mountaineer Rustam Nabiev has scripted history by becoming the first double amputee to climb Mount Everest using only his arms, without the use of prosthetic limbs.

Having lost both his legs in 2015, Nabiev, a former paratrooper, scaled the world's tallest mountain peak on Wednesday, May 20, during the ongoing spring climbing season in Nepal, Indian outlet NDTV reports.

In a social media post after the historic climb, Nabiev posted an image of himself on Mount Everest with a plaque that read: "To those who thought that life ended after the fall. Rustam Nabiev, Everest 2026."

Nabiev detailed that he reached the peak in the morning, before dedicating the milestone to his followers and supporters around the world.

"On May 20th, at 8:16am Nepal time, for the first time in the history of mountaineering, for the first time in human history, I, Rustam Nabiev, reached the summit of Everest using only my arms!" Nabiev captioned the pic.

"I dedicate this ascent to everyone watching me. With this act, I simply want to say one thing: as long as there's life left in you, fight! Fight to the end, please! It's worth it!" he added.

Khim Lal Gautam, field office coordinator at Everest Base Camp, confirmed Nabiev's milestone climb in a conversation with Anadolu Agency.

“Yes, he successfully climbed Everest. He's now descending to the base camp,” said Gautam.

Nabiev lost his legs in 2015 when the military barracks building in which he was sleeping collapsed. Instead of being bogged down, Nabiev channelled his recovery into outdoor and mountaineering pursuits.