BBC News, Ukraine – Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline face grueling conditions, open-ended service contracts, limited leave, and a high casualty rate. A prominent unit, the 24th Mechanised Brigade, epitomizes this reality, which BBC Newsnight recently documented.
“Jimmy”, an officer with years of active service, speaks of his luck in surviving the ongoing conflict, stating, “war can either love people or not.” Jimmy’s presence, even after suffering multiple injuries, is seen as a testament to his charmed existence.
The 24th Mechanised Brigade, a stalwart of the Ukrainian army since 2014, has witnessed immense change since Russia’s 2022 invasion. From its deployment in the industrial heartland of Donbas to its garrison roots in western Ukraine, the unit’s transformation has been monumental. The brigade has surged from 2,000 to over 7,000 soldiers, bolstered by volunteers and conscripts.
One such volunteer, “Yurii”, left a lucrative venture capitalist job in Kyiv to join the brigade’s drone unit. While his mother initially hesitated at his decision, her pride swelled when Yurii started directing drones to Russian trenches.
These volunteers, alongside conscripts, commit to serving until the war’s end, with a scant 10 days of annual leave. For some, like Yurii, military pay is significantly less than their civilian income.
Yurii’s unique position in the brigade is emblematic of the changed dynamics of the Ukrainian military. Despite being a private, officers admit he practically leads his unit. Such deviations from traditional military hierarchies underscore the post-2022 army’s adaptability against Russian forces.
Another poignant story is of “Hryb”, a 52-year-old sergeant, entrusted with an artillery gun older than he is, recalling his time with the Soviet Army. His artillery crew humorously nicknamed their equipment “Babushka”, resonating with Hryb’s vintage expertise. Hryb’s decision to volunteer was met with tears by his family, a sentiment echoed by many across Ukraine as the war shows no immediate signs of ceasing.
Casualties remain a sensitive subject in Ukraine. Recent Pentagon estimates cite 70,000 Ukrainians killed in the war, predominantly from the military. The 24th Brigade alone has lost approximately 400 personnel since the conflict’s onset.
Yet, for Ukrainians like Natalia Nezhura, mourning her brother Andrii’s death, the overwhelming sentiment is one of deep resentment towards Russia. She passionately states, “how can you talk about peace when they killed so many of our people?”
With the whole society mobilized, the Ukrainian spirit remains unbowed. For many, only a clear victory will bring peace, no matter the cost.
