The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
“Sova” repeatedly volunteered at the military recruitment office, each time hoping to hear “yes”. But for a long time he was rejected due to health reasons.
His story was published by the 152nd Separate Jaeger Brigade named after Symon Petliura.
Oleksandr is from the urban-type settlement of Hrebinky in Kyiv region. His desire to serve appeared long ago — it was not an emotional decision or reaction to circumstances, but an inner need to be useful and defend Ukraine.
He made nearly a dozen attempts, always holding himself responsible, knowing that during a war a real man has no right to stay aside.
“I understood what was happening in the country, believed and still believe that I must be where I can defend it. I wanted to join the ranks, be useful, take responsibility. But they wouldn’t take me then”, — he recalls.
Eventually, he succeeded and joined the Armed Forces — a decision he calls the only correct one.
“Sova” completed basic military training at one of the AFU training centers, then joined the 152nd Brigade.
Today he is undergoing additional training at the brigade’s base.
“I find it interesting. The brigade has professional servicemen with real combat experience who don’t limit themselves to dry theory. They explain simply and clearly, show everything in practice, and teach so that you understand the meaning of every action in real combat conditions. Many things have become truly clear to me here”, — Oleksandr says.
He ties his motivation primarily to his son. His son Matvii is 11. He says he deeply misses their time together and the simple things that have now become a luxury. He wishes he could be with him more often, watching him grow. But this is exactly what keeps him in the ranks.
“I’m here for him. I want my son to grow up without war, without fear and explosions. To have a normal childhood and future. I miss him very much, but I know: if we don’t hold out now, there may be nowhere to return later”, — he says.
He adds that when he sees the lawlessness Russians commit in Ukraine, a beast awakens in him.
“I understand that this is war, anything can happen. But as a real man, I must defend my family’s right to live in a free country. I miss not only my son, but also my mother and younger brother. I deliberately limit contact so they worry less”, — he says.
When asked about the future, Oleksandr pauses. He does not speak of distant plans — his thoughts are focused on one thing. His future holds no hidden desires — only what keeps him going today.
“I want my son to know that his father did not turn away when things were hard. That he grows up understanding that freedom does not come easily, and sometimes you must fight for it. I want him to be able to say someday: my father did everything he could so I could live in a free country. That is why I’m here”, — he concludes.
