The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
In two months, the contract “18–24” of the scout of the 92nd Assault Brigade named after the Cossack chieftain Ivan Sirko, “Riko”, will end.
The conversation with the soldier was published on February 19 on the brigade’s channel.
“Very intense! A lot of adrenaline. A lot of emotions. I liked it. It was a very cool year!” — Riko says.
He joined the service at 18 and during this time turned from a young guy into an experienced warrior.
“Before the army, I was probably less disciplined and didn’t have the endurance or physical strength I have now.
At the training base they prepare you very well, and during specialized training too. But real experience I gained during the outings.
We sometimes have missions where you need to walk 20–30 kilometers during search operations. After a few such outings, your legs and body adapt.
Now, I think I’ve gotten used to this ‘movement’ morally. Every day for me is just work”, — Riko says.
In almost a year of service, he had about fifteen combat outings. One of the most memorable was when they had to escort captured Russians from a position to an evacuation point.
“They were telling me: ‘Brother, brother’. And I told them: ‘You’re not my brother, you are the enemy. You are an occupier who came to my land. I’m 19, and I have to fight because you attacked my country’”, — Riko recalls.
After finishing the contract, he plans to return home for a year — his daughter was born in January and he wants to spend time with his family. Afterwards he plans to return to the army.
“I’m glad I chose to become a scout. I like my profession, I like the people around me, I like the missions we get — and I like carrying them out”, — he says.
