Dear MEL Topic Readers,
In the army now: Pictures that show how ordinary Ukrainians have been
shaped by war
Four years have passed since Russia invaded Ukraine, and the war still
continues. Over one hundred thousand soldiers have lost their lives, and many
more have been wounded. The war changed the lives of those who were engaged in
the war. Here are photos and thoughts of seven Ukrainians who have been serving
to defend their homeland.
A 26-year-old woman who returned from Prague and became an army pilot
to protect her country and future says, "Sometimes the hardest thing is
the silence after the news of losses." A 37-year-old former NGO worker
says, “Before, it was important for me to help others find their way, to become
strong, self-confident. Now I understand that the technique of positive
thinking does not save you from armed thugs." A 19-year-old ex-barista
says she had learned about happiness, such as being close to her family and not
being afraid of waking up the next day. A 42-year-old used to be a bioengineer specialized
in creating 3D models for facial reconstruction surgeries. He has spent years as
a combat medic in dugouts and says he wouldn’t rest after the war because there
will be lots of reconstruction surgery to be done then. A 28-year-old who had
served four years in the army returned from Poland and became a soldier again.
He said almost all the friends he joined up with have died. A 42-year-old civilian
who used to do a government job joined the army on the day of the Russian
invasion. He was captured and held by Russia for over two years, the most
harrowing experience of his life. A 35-year-old father of two was also in
captivity in Russia for several weeks, saw his fellow soldiers abused, but couldn’t
do anything to help them. He says, “While you're fighting, you're something,
someone. As soon as you stop - then that's it, you're nobody."
Read the article and see the photos of Ukrainian soldiers who have been
serving their country.
