The war of the Ukrainian people against the Moscow occupiers has been going on for more than a decade. Nevertheless, many Ukrainians realized the threat to themselves only after the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022.

Here I would like to talk about Ukrainian soldiers who have been at war since 2014.

In the first photo is Vyacheslav Hilka, known by the pseudonym Uran.

Before the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war in 2014, Slavunya, as his friends call him, served in the military, and later worked in a mine. When the fighting began, he resigned and went to fight against the Moscovites. Initially, he fought in the 56th brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a tank operator. Later, he fought in the 57th brigade, defending the village of Pisky near Donetsk for several years. Today, he is a company commander in the 59th brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Vyacheslav’s military path filled with fierce battles, victorious exits, and the loss of friends.

Uran is extraordinarily daring. There were times when he would take a gun and a few grenades, secretly penetrate enemy trenches, and destroy the enemies. He did not like staying in one place, always saying: “I came to destroy for my country so that they wouldn’t kill us.”

With the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, Vyacheslav fought in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. He got surrounded but, with God’s help, managed to escape and lead his unit out, destroying a large number of invaders in the process.

Unfortunately, it is only in movies that you can defeat the enemy without losses. During one battle, a tank shell exploded near Uran, tearing off part of his leg. Slavik did not panic; he managed to apply a tourniquet to his leg and stop the bleeding. Later, his comrades evacuated him from the firing zone.

Uran was treated for several months. His injury was severe, and he could have easily left the army due to health reasons. However, remember his motto: “I came to destroy so that they wouldn’t kill us.” Vyacheslav Hilka returned to the front with an artificial joint in his leg. Initially, he commanded a platoon and later, after training, became a company commander.

What the future holds for Uran is known only to God. However, we know for sure that our country, our army, and our victory are built on people like Vyacheslav.

Andriy Syvolap aka Syvash

Our other hero is Andriy Syvolap, known by the pseudonym Syvash. With the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war in 2014, Andriy went to defend Ukraine. He fought in the National Guard of Ukraine, liberating towns and villages in the Donetsk region from Moscow invaders and their supporter-separatists who betrayed their country and sided with Moscow.

In one battle, a mine exploded near Andriy. He sustained severe injuries and a concussion. It seemed that not only the war but also his life might end there. However, Andriy had a very strong guardian angel. After some time, Syvash recovered and returned to the front. For several years, Andriy fought against the Moscow aggressor near the Donetsk airport as part of the 57th brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. With the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, Andriy began fighting in the 56th brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Andriy is greatly loved by his friends and comrades. He is tall and has a very kind heart. He always supports, helps, and teaches. Andriy easily fires from any machine gun or grenade launcher. He knows how to disassemble and repair any weapon. He is not afraid of cold or heat and is always ready to move forward.

In the summer of 2022, Andriy mastered working with drones. With the help of these “birds,” he adjusted our artillery, dropped various surprises on the heads of the invaders, and carried out other tasks that cannot yet be disclosed. A universal soldier who does not spare himself and burns with a desire for revenge against the Russian occupiers.

During one mission, when Andriy was conducting reconnaissance, an enemy mine exploded near him. Andriy survived, although he did not even realize what awaited him. The doctors wanted to amputate part of his leg, but Andriy did not allow it. One operation, then another, and a tenth… Only recently, after another surgical intervention, did the doctors tell Andriy that everything would now be fine. He would be able to walk.

Andriy constantly calls his comrades on the front line and misses that he cannot fight. However, even on the hospital bed, Andriy does not waste time. He bought a simulator and is learning to fly FPV drones so that after returning to the front, he can continue to destroy the Moscovites.

Syvash could have been discharged due to his injury and stayed with his beloved wife and daughters, who love their father very much. He could have left the country, but he did not do this, unlike other Ukrainians who left their homeland in trouble. Andriy is a Cossack; he is the pride and glory of our country. He is the resilience and future of Ukraine.

It is only thanks to heroes like Slavuta and Syvash that we are still fighting for Ukraine’s freedom.