The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
A 53-year-old artilleryman named Andrii went to war for the second time and fights at a pace that not all younger soldiers can withstand. During the battles for Klishchiivka, his gun crew destroyed two Russian combat vehicles with two shots.
This is reported in a publication on the page of the 80th Separate Air Assault Galician Brigade of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
From workshop to gun
Before the full-scale invasion, Andrii worked as an interior design specialist. He says that the greatest internal contradiction of war for him is simple and painful:
“I love creating, but at war you have to destroy. This is not what I want to do, but I must. Because if not us — then who?”
In 2014–2015, he had already fought as part of the 80th Brigade. After demobilization, he returned to civilian life. On February 24, 2022, he took up arms again.
“When my wife and daughter went to stay with her sister, I quietly packed up and went to the military enlistment office. I immediately said: send me only to the 80th. My relatives didn’t know for a month that I was already at the front — if I had started explaining, I would have broken down”.
A pace beyond his age
Andrii is 53, but he works at a combat pace that not every 30-year-old can handle.
“Sometimes they tell me: ‘Uncle, don’t you get tired?’ And I look — guys 20 years younger, and their health is no better. It’s not about age. It’s about character and readiness to stand to the end”.
He clearly remembers the beginning of the war: frost, lack of basic necessities, minimal resources.
“In 2014, we lived in dugouts. We saved water for food, washed dishes with snow. Frosts of 25–30 degrees. One generator for dozens of people. It was a different level of war”.
Two vehicles — with two shots
During the battles for Klishchiivka in Donetsk region, Andrii’s crew destroyed two enemy armored vehicles at once.
“The first was an MT-LB — it was moving, not standing still. First shot — a hit. A minute later, another vehicle drove up, probably to help. Second shell — and it caught fire. Two targets with two shots. There was no time to rejoice — we immediately pulled back”.
Andrii says that he also “creates” in war, but it is a different kind of creation:
“Preparing shells so that the gun works quickly and accurately — that’s my job. My ‘creating’ here means something completely different”.
About fear and motivation
The fighter speaks calmly and without pathos about fear.
“I come from a Christian family, I believe in God. When we go on a combat mission, I pray all the way. I know my family is praying for me. That keeps me going and gives me confidence”.
He calls the 80th Brigade a place where people and experience are valued.
“Commanders listen and consult. Here you feel that your hands and knowledge are needed. That motivates”.
Andrii’s greatest dream is to return to peaceful life and build again.
“Destruction in war saves lives. And when it’s all over — I will return home and create again. I have something to build”.
