Who is resisting the Russian invasion today

And war is also a matter for young people. Although, of course, there are also many older people, but it depends on their health. 

My friend Boroda and I were already among the older ones in the winter of 2016. At 53, I was the oldest in our volunteer unit, and he was right behind me. He is a professional military man with a university degree in psychology. Fate brought us together in the steppes near Avdiivka, where we even shared a machine gun for a while.

My friend Boroda is still at war, though now he serves in the Armed Forces. He confirms that a lot has changed since 2016, especially in the last year since the "great war" began. But what hasn't changed are the people who took up arms to defend their homeland. According to Boroda, motivated volunteers, both then and now, despite the inevitable losses and fatigue, still form the backbone of the unit, even if they are mobilized through military enlistment offices.

“A lot has changed since 2016, especially in the last year since the "great war" began. But what hasn't changed are the people who took up arms to defend their homeland. According to Boroda, motivated volunteers, both then and now, despite the inevitable losses and fatigue, still form the backbone of the unit, even if they are mobilized through military enlistment offices”

In general, he divides the military into 3 categories. It is clear that ideologically motivated volunteers are the first. The second category includes those who are motivated by financial support. Well, money has always been a good motivator, and in war as well. But when it comes to defending the homeland, the moral factor comes to the fore. That's why the recent reduction in financial remuneration for those soldiers who do not take part in combat operations directly on the front line was received in their unit with understanding, albeit without enthusiasm.  

There is also a third category - those who go to war because of life's troubles, lack of settled life, and so on, for example, problems in the family, or unrequited love. There are not many of them, but they are noticeable and, paradoxically, many of them are healed by the war, filled with new meanings, and above all, taught to appreciate life in all its manifestations.

I also asked if we still see the "cool kids" we saw back in 2016, officials of various levels, deputies, or just the "sons" of influential parents who came to the war for selfies, thrills, or a "combatant" certificate. However, they also brought us supplies and even expensive optics. To this he replied that it happens, although not often, but still. However, he added that they are always happy to receive any help if it is useful and brings the Victory closer.

Exclusively for Espreso TV.

About the author: Oleksandr Vilchynskyi is a writer and journalist. In 2016 to 2017 he was a volunteer and fought as a private soldier in the 1st separate assault company of the Air Force.

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