In the Ranks from the First Days of the Invasion — The Story of Fighter “Mechanic”

A soldier of the 13th Brigade “Khartia” of the National Guard, callsign “Mechanic”, has been fighting since the beginning of the full-scale invasion despite legitimate grounds to remain at home.

His story was published by the brigade.

“I’m from Poltava. My parents are from Zakarpattia, they decided to move there when I was a child. Before the war I worked with cars — bodywork, painting, suspension, and welding — that’s why my callsign is ‘Mechanic’”, — he says.

Now “Mechanic” is an experienced drone operator. He has served with “Khartia” since its formation in 2023, completing combat missions in one of the most critical areas of today’s war.

“Flying is amazing. There’s the danger, of course — pilots are the first ones they want to kill because we see a lot. So they throw glide bombs, Grads, and everything they can at us”.