How the struggle has changed Ukraine: full-scale war through the eyes of the defenders

February 24, 2022 was remembered for explosions, chaos, and uncertainty. However, the political leadership remained in Kyiv, international allies stepped up their assistance, and every Ukrainian became part of a large resistance movement.

A chronicle of invincibility: key events

• February 2022: massive shelling and attempts to capture Kiev. The defense of Gostomel, Irpen and Bucha were the first significant victories.

• April 2022: liberation of Kiev, Chernihiv, Sumy regions and the first evidence of war crimes in Bucha. 

• May 2022: Occupation Of Mariupol.

• Autumn 2022: counteroffensive in Kharkiv region, liberation of Izyum and Balakleya. The long-awaited departure of the invaders from Kherson.

•  2023: the ongoing struggle in the Donbas. Strengthening international military assistance, obtaining modern weapons by Ukraine, in particular Patriot systems and Leopard tanks.

• 2024: intensification of diplomatic efforts in the international arena and development of National Resistance.

There are thousands of stories behind these dry facts. Among them are the stories of those who took up arms, saved civilians, remained under occupation, or built a new life after fleeing. 

Defense of Kyiv region: a story from the inside

I realized that there would be a war and was preparing. At 02:00 on February 24, I put on the news that the last Ukrainian airport had closed. I slept for an hour and got up to make news from the UN Security Council briefing. I switched to Putin's urgent feed, set the news about the declaration of war on Ukraine at 04:48 and heard the missiles hit Gostomel. The next morning, I was digging trenches on the outskirts of Kyiv, where the Katsaps were expected to make a tank breakthrough

Now he is a staff officer of one of the brigades of the TRO of the Kiev region and serves in the Donetsk region.

"I was struck in the first days by how the grads left on the power line with their headlights off and shot back 10 meters from our trenches. Then, a few days later, a Russian missile destroyed a gas station that was standing nearby," the military added, talking about the events of 2022 in the Kiev region.

- how did you manage to deal with emotional pressure and fear during these critical moments? Didn't you feel it at that moment?

When there was the first shelling in my life and three mortars were fired on Krila for about an hour and a half, I sat in the dugout and laughed at Herbert Frank, who wrote the cult book "Dune" for someone. I was amused by the phrase "fear is a small death." Specifically, I found it funny, because this phrase was given out by a person who had never sat under shelling.

- What, in your opinion, was the key to stopping the enemy near Kiev?

Key in the defense of Kiev was the destruction of the landing force in Gostomel, cut off communications in the group that was advancing on Brovary and the offensive of the 95th brigade from Zhytomyr region. The battles for Moshchun, from which I was within reach of mortars, were important, but it was the cutting off and semi-encirclement of the Russian group that played a key role.

Maksym's attitude towards the authorities is sharply negative. He recalled how some government officials, such as MP Olha Vasylevska-Smagliuk, wrote in the first days of the invasion that evacuation was not necessary. 

"She's not even in the top twenty on my Arya Stark list," the officer said.

Clarification! After the publication of the material, the People's Deputy Olga Vasylevska-Smaglyuk addressed the editorial office of IA UNN with a request to clarify her position.

"On February 24, 2022, the following people addressed Ukrainians with statements about the need for people to stay at home: President Volodymyr Zelensky, the head of the Servant of the People party Olena Shulyak, the mayor of Kyiv Vitaliy Klitschko and many other people. The information I published was based on the position of the power bloc. I myself was at my workplace at the time of writing," the People's Deputy said in a comment.

She added that within a day, when it became clear that enemy troops were moving towards Kyiv through the Ivankivska community and the Borodyanka community, she appealed to the then head of the Kyiv Regional Administration Oleksiy Kuleba about the need for urgent evacuation of the population from Borodyanka. But, according to her, she was refused.

Later, according to Vasylevska-Smaglyuk, she herself contributed to the evacuation of people. At the same time, in correspondence with the editorial office, the People's Deputy, responding to the soldier's comment published by UNN, stated "that an anonymous military man integrated the order for me".

On this occasion, UNN would like to clarify that the military man, although he asked not to indicate his last name, kindly provided his photo at the request of the editorial office to illustrate the text. Also, the author of the material personally knows this person and has no reason to doubt his person. In addition, the military's responses set out in the material highlight their personal and public positions.

- How do you see the future of Ukraine after our victory? 

The future of Ukraine is the cleansing of the post-Russian elites and all these Portnov-Lyovochkin six, the bandits who occupied the law enforcement agencies and the judicial system. The future can be different, but the main thing is that a civil war does not start, then everything will be f*cked up.

- What should be changed in the army?

Reform and transition from a Brigade-battalion system to a divisional system. So that, for example, not 3,000 people hold a plot of 20 km, but 15,000 people hold 60 km and are guided from one place.

- Did you notice a difference at the front during the entire war?

The Russians now have the same difficult situation, because they used the equipment of Khrushchev's times. But they have more people.

According to the military, he does not believe in the end of the war in the next 5 years. 

- What is the most difficult part of the service right now?

The assault officer has a lot of routine work that is not needed at all. There are many duplicate documents that paralyze the efficient and well-coordinated work of staff organisms. Ineffective high command is a consolidated opinion of Staff Officers in battalions. 

- What Would you like to say to civilian Ukrainians?

I can tell civilians that if you want to live in Ukraine, join the army. Ukraine does not need baristas and managers, Ukraine needs soldiers. In the army, you don't feel like a free person, and when you come to Kyiv, you don't understand why some people can have a vacation, while others think about protection and survival. Everyone should realize that there are not only rights but also responsibilities in wartime.

From sports journalism to zero positions: the story of a volunteer

Oleg Yashchuk, a sports journalist, decided to become a volunteer in the first days of the war. He spoke about his experience of Service, difficulties at the front and the changes that the war brought. 

- When did you go to the service and why did you decide so?

I was supposed to fly to Cyprus on February 28, 2022. I had a TV project planned and an infrastructure assignment with my friends. At that time, it was already clear that war was inevitable, this was discussed by everyone with whom I collaborated. 

I realized that if I returned, it would be only when there was a lull or another phase of the war. But my tickets were burned, I was in Chernivtsi at the time, everything was flying up, I was anxious, I couldn't listen to all this, I had to help the state and do something. I read a post on Facebook by a friend from Uzhhorod: "Will you be ashamed to look at yourself in the mirror later? Why are you all hiding here? Running away abroad." At the same time, I read the posts of Sasha Makhov, a journalist and colleague who greatly influenced me. The power of Facebook and Instagram is great. I read, went crazy, and realized that I needed to help. I thought I would go in any role.

Already on March 2, I went to the military enlistment office with my friends. With me were Valerchik, a friend of mine from the University, who is now in a serious concussion, and Alexander, who is now learning to walk and talk again, he was shot in the head. On March 3, I was already in the unit of the 10th Edelweiss Brigade in Kolomyia. Then we were sent to the Kiev region, where there were fierce battles. In May 2022, we were transferred to the Donbass — Lisichansk, Severodonetsk, Bakhmut, Soledar and Bakhmut district.

- Did you volunteer or sign a contract?

I volunteered. Then few people signed contracts. I have no experience. Now everyone has training, but then all training grounds did not have it. Who will be lucky. At first, I worked in the press service, then I was engaged in the evacuation of the population, as well as moral and psychological support (mpz). In June 2022, I was transferred to the infantry because there were not enough people. There were not enough people and they were involved from the headquarters.  and then I went to another world.

On May 22, 2022, I celebrated my "second" birthday — then we came under rocket fire. In June and July, it was even worse: I was at "zero", almost all the guys nearby died, and they couldn't pick me up. It wasn't right, it was a blur. I was missing — almost everyone had already buried me, no one believed that I would get out of there, but by some miracle I got out..

After the treatment, I returned to "zero" again, worked as a signalman, and then again became an infantryman. I've been in all positions, but Infantry is the hardest part.

- What has changed in you that you notice it yourself?

I learned to appreciate every moment and second. I thank God and fate for being here and trying to convey to people what is happening.

Now I am studying, taking military courses, trainings and master classes, communicating with people who have survived captivity. For example, I spoke with Victoria from Severodonetsk, who was held in Russian captivity and prisons for 24 months. She was beaten and raped by 5-10 people every day. Communicating with such people, I try to pull myself together and help them. 

- The worst story from Lysychansk?

Not Far From Lisichansk. There were as many battles there during the day as there were not in the ATO for a year. During the day, there were 8 battles lasting 2 hours: small arms, mortars, tanks and "gifts" were thrown on our heads from helicopters.

- Has the situation on the frontline changed now

Back in July 2022, we said that the situation is difficult, we urgently need people, mobilization, and look for equipment, because we could respond three times with mortars during the day, and they (the invaders — ED.) could bomb 8 times for 2 hours. 

- That is, the situation remains unchanged for 1000 days?

Unfortunately, the state did not take sufficient steps, and we lost ground. Everything was based on people who worked for ten. Previously, we were changed every week, but now the guys are at zero for months, waiting for their death. 

- How do you feel about civilians who are not on the front line?

At first, we were very nervous about this and had a negative attitude, but now it has become indifferent. Everyone chooses their own path Dodgers should at least work for victory, if they are not fighting.

Serving and fighting are two different things. In a brigade of 7,000 people, not everyone shoots. There are drivers, cooks, Logistics Support, Journalists, and IT specialists. War requires all professions. But if you're in the army, you have to be ready to do anything.

- How do you see the future of Ukraine?

We have to fight to the last, although it is extremely difficult. The Russian army is more numerous and better equipped, and this war may drag on or even escalate into a global one. We must be prepared for a long fight.

- is there an important lesson that Ukraine has learned in these 1000 days?

There are many lessons. The most important is that we are a united country, and our people are incredibly resilient. But I am against populism. The real work is done by those who act, not by those who only write in telegram channels and spread "nonsense".

From Master of sports to call sign "Tyson"

Irina is only 21 years old, but she changed her life to fight for the country. The girl managed to get the title of Master of sports in boxing. But after an injury that put her career on hold, she changed direction and became a coach. Sports were a priority, but an inner voice pushed me to take a different path. In the end, she joined the army and now serves as a combat medic of the Assault Brigade. For her boxing past, she received the call sign "Tyson". 

- Why did you choose the army?

My civilian life was wonderful, and I loved teaching children. But I felt that there was a bigger challenge that I had to take on.

At first, the injury prevented the girl from entering the service, but after the operation and recovery, Irina joined the military. 

"My main motive is revenge for my friends, for the best people of our country, for doctors and combat brothers," the military said.

- How did your family and friends react to your decision to join the army?

My family was against it. My mom could not accept my decision, although she still supports me. Dad was shocked when I called after the VLC and said I was joining the army.

Irina was trained in the century, where she received the necessary skills. 

"The training was without rest, all the time in armor. Shooting, digging, physical activity. It was hard even for the very hardy. But I felt that it was mine,"  she says. 

The war, according to her, is technological and constantly changing, and only by being there can you understand all the realities.

"I remember from a pleasant moment when we were together with the" subcontractors " (adjacent units – Ed.). And  i was asked if I was freezing, and my 7th layer was left under the boars in one of the forests, so I was cold. They gave me a sleeping bag, handed me socks, and gave me tea to drink. It's warm and such people are not forgotten," recalls the medic.

However, there were also difficult moments. 

"When we left the first mission, the shelling was so strong that I thought I couldn't die before the evacuation, I was sitting under a tree and mines were flying in my direction. This is morally very difficult. And at times like this, you need to be focused and not panic," Tyson said.

Iryna does not hide the fact that the war causes emotional exhaustion. 

"Sometimes it's hard to contain your emotions. As a woman, I have to be more resilient than guys, because if I start showing weakness, it will affect them," she added.

- How do you see your role in post-war Ukraine?

I see myself working with children, training future soldiers, and developing the army. This is one of our big problems – we did not prepare for war. 

- Have you faced any difficulties because of your gender in the service?

You are often perceived as weaker, constantly asked why you are here. And even if one of the guys faces difficulties, they will demand more from you. Therefore, you need to work on your authority.

- What Would you like to change to improve the situation in the army?

I would change my approach to selection and training. Mobilization also raises a lot of questions when they take people who are no longer able to serve. We still have the old Soviet practices, many people in high positions who should have retired long ago. 

- Do you believe that we are moving towards victory?

I would like to believe in victory, although so far the reality is different. A quiet life for everyone is what I would like. But I know it won't be easy. However, we must go to the end.

Results and losses

In total, since the beginning of the war, thousands of missiles have been fired at the territory of Ukraine, causing extensive destruction, especially in the energy sector and  civilian objects. In the first years of the war alone, more than 2,000 medical facilities were destroyed, and thousands of Ukrainians became victims of the Russian invasion. But Ukraine continues to fight for its independence and territorial integrity.