“Gold’s” First Combat Deployment Lasted Nearly a Month and It Ended with a Russian Assault and Shrapnel Wounds to His Arms and Legs/

The 151st Separate Mechanized Brigade shared his story.

“Gold” joined the military on June 6, 2025. He learned at the recruitment centre that he would serve with the 151st Brigade.

His first combat deployment took him to an observation post. His task was to monitor the enemy, relay information to his comrades and hold the position.

Living conditions were just as harsh as the combat work. Water had to be rationed. Food and bottles of water were dropped by drones, but some of the water simply leaked out after the containers hit the ground — the plastic could not withstand the impact.

The soldiers built their own shelters and tried to conceal the position from thermal imaging cameras. They slept on sleeping mats in sleeping bags, sometimes using leaves as pillows.

Russian drones were constantly operating overhead. According to “Gold,” the enemy searched the area square by square and dropped explosives. Once a Ukrainian position was detected, assault troops could follow.

One day, “Gold” spotted several Russian groups moving toward the position.

“If you don’t get him, he gets you,” the soldier recalls.

The Russians advanced in several groups, threw grenades at the position and attacked with drone support.

The attack was repelled, but “Gold” was hit by shrapnel, sustaining wounds to his arms and legs.

The soldier moved to a safer location, where tourniquets were applied. Then the evacuation began.

Because of the Russian drones, it was impossible to simply follow the evacuation route. They moved in stages: run to the next position, wait until the sky was somewhat clearer, and then move again.

After treatment, “Gold” returned to service. He now performs security and watch-duty missions.

Nearly a month on the same position also meant spending a lot of time with the same people. During the brief moments of quiet, they talked about cars, their families and life before the war.

They talked about the war itself less often, “Gold” says.

There was no need. Everything around them was already a reminder of it.