The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
He has spent his entire life behind the wheel — first of a tractor, then trucks. During the war, he moved into a combat vehicle. Leopard tank driver Volodymyr Zhukovskyi, call sign “Zhuk”, told how civilian experience helped him quickly master Western armored equipment and why the decision to go into service left him no alternative.
The soldier’s story was published on the page of the 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade.
Volodymyr is originally from the settlement of Tsebrykove in Odesa region. He graduated from a vocational school with a specialization as a tractor driver, completed his compulsory military service, and then spent years working behind the wheel — transporting cargo, living on the road, and building a family life. The full-scale invasion changed everything.
At the beginning of 2023, he received a draft notice and joined the army without hesitation.
“Because you have to defend your family. Those who are afraid hide. I don’t know people like that”, — says “Zhuk”.
First came a training center, then the 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade. Later — training in Sweden, after which Volodymyr became a Leopard tank driver.
“If you can drive a car, then a tank is not a problem”, — he explains simply.
During his service, he fought in various sectors — near Kupiansk, in Donetsk region, and in Sumy region. For one of his combat missions, he received the “Golden Cross” breast badge of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, though he speaks of the award without pathos.
“The first battle? No, the first time it wasn’t scary. Fear came later, when we took a more serious beating”, — the tanker recalls.
Today, “Zhuk” continues his service, operating the combat vehicle with the same confidence with which he once drove a truck. He says he does not understand those who try to hide from the war.
“Where can you go? You have to defend what’s yours”.
His main dream is victory and returning home to Tsebrykove, where his family is waiting. Until then — work, responsibility, and a tank that has become an extension of his hands.
