The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
After the full-scale invasion, “Leshyi”, despite the possibility of deferment, voluntarily mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He had no service experience — only military training and the rank of reserve officer.
His story was published by the 41st Separate Mechanized Brigade.
Before the war, “Leshyi”, now a mechanized battalion officer, worked for a long time at one of the district prosecutor’s offices in Odesa.
“I was a procedural supervisor in many murder, robbery, and assault cases. I loved the work. But the most important thing I learned was to read people at first glance”, — he recalls.
He was assigned to a rifle battalion, where he became the deputy company commander for moral and psychological support — effectively one of those who developed the battalion.
Because attention to soldiers’ human qualities was essential, his experience in the prosecutor’s office was invaluable. He built a strong backbone from young fighters and experienced ATO/JFO veterans.
He always tried to stay close to his subordinates, helping and supporting them. No paper or document can replace real communication.
This approach greatly helped when his battalion joined the 41st Brigade.
Later, his cohesive team successfully carried out combat missions on the Kupiansk axis, near Chasiv Yar, and defended the Sumy region.
“Leshyi” recalls how near Chasiv Yar, officers personally evacuated fighters from positions:
“The sun hadn’t risen yet; visibility was poor. I heard a whistle in the sky and realized an enemy drone had just dropped a munition on us. In the last seconds, I pushed my brothers out of the danger zone and tried to hide myself. Unfortunately, I couldn’t avoid being wounded. All three of us were wounded — but it could have been much worse”, — he says.
After recovering, “Leshyi” returned to his brigade. Now he is the deputy commander of a UAV systems company for personnel psychological support.
With his significant experience working with people, he aims to build a capable, cohesive unit that will be a formidable force for the enemy and a reliable shield for his comrades.
