Dimko Zhluktenko 🇺🇦⚔️ Profile picture
Oct 9, 2024 10 tweets 4 min read Read on X
I just finished my basic training course in the Ukrainian Army!

That was an adventure, however it prepared me for the real fight against r*ssian invasion.

This is how Ukraine trains its soldiers 🧵 Image
We lived in tents in an undisclosed location, deep in the forests. Before arriving there, we were issued tons of different gear, sleeping bags and body armor. The quality was OK, but the size didn't always fit well for everyone.

I bought myself a cheap platecarrier that fit me. Image
The training was very intensive, packed into 35 days.

I learned a lot about international law, military laws, and hierarchy, and then we moved onto practical classes in the field - how to handle a weapon, how to treat wounded, movement, formations, tactics, booby traps, etc. Image
I would judge the training as the maximum possible in 35 days. However, I would definitely appreciate more training in tactical medicine and shooting.

In total, each recruit fired about 300 rounds from their AKs issued for the time of training.
However, thanks to our instructors and myself, we organized some classes in urban combat and tactics using airsoft weapons.

That was fun and deadly, and we learned well from the instant feedback. For instance, there, I learned to shoot from my left hand and Somali-shooting. Image
In some cases, our training drilled into mental toughness, even preparing us for the grim reality of becoming POWs. This perspective was interesting, especially as one of our commanders endured ten months as a POW in Mariupol.

Our instructors? Every single one battle-hardened.
I made some great friends there. In my training, most people volunteered to sign a contract with the Armed Forces.

This gives you another level of motivation and understanding of the world in them. I respect that they left their cozy homes and families to protect them. Image
I am now about to start another training course, specializing in my military job.

This will take some time, and I know my pipeline of getting me into combat so I can make an impact.

I didn't see anything like throwing people into combat right after they got into the Army. Image
I am motivated to join the fight for the most important concept of the 21st century - Freedom.

I believe Ukraine is the battlefield of ideas—Freedom against Tyranny. I must protect what and who is dear to me.

Thank you for being on this journey with me. Image
I hope you've found this thread insightful.

Follow me @dim0kq for more stories from Ukraine.

Like/Repost the quote below if you can so more people could understand what is happening in Ukraine, on the ground. Thank you!

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More from @dim0kq

Oct 23
Today, I turn 27, at war.
I don’t feel pity that I’m not celebrating with my loved ones.

I am proud to have spent this year defending my family and my country - Ukraine - against russian invasion.

I’ve dedicated my life and health to fighting that.

🧵❤️‍🔥 Image
I fight for our survival. But also for the world to know our culture, our experience and our pain.

Because what Ukrainians are going through is an incredible challenge and a profound lesson for humanity. It’s the darkest now, but it’s the darkest before dawn. Image
This morning, like many across Ukraine, I began my day with a minute of silence at 0900 - honoring the heroes who gave their lives for our freedom.

I will forever carry them in my thoughts.

Today, please think about all the Freedom Fighters who will not see their next birthday. Image
Read 7 tweets
Oct 2
I just came back from London, representing Ukraine as frontline drone pilot.

Spoke on the Unmanned Battlefield panel at the Ukraine Defense Innovation Forum by @borderlandsua, representing my unit @413_raid.

Key points from my talk 🧵 Image
We operate unmanned systems at 0-300km range, we do everything to efficiently delete russian idiots in Donetsk oblast. FPV, bombers, ISRs, loitering munition...

Crazy amount of intel and hard work behind it, but we are very successful now. Image
It's all operating in GPS-denied, heavily EW-saturated environment, dangerous warfighting scenario where UAV operators are high value targets.

Still we do it, we find a way and delete russian idiots. We innovate the warfighting. The war has changed, so the tactics changed. Image
Read 6 tweets
Oct 1
Day 1316. Ukraine's Defender Day.

The second one I have as actual Ukraine's Defender. It's surreal to have my friends and family thank me for defending them and say how much they miss me.

I am in Donestk autumn forests, deleting russians here...

Thoughts from battlefield🧵 Image
For the second year in a row, I fight to protect the people I love - my wife, my family - and our future here, as Ukrainians.

For some reason, Russia wants to kill ordinary man like myself defending his home. Russians are fueled by hate towards people like me. So I defend. Image
After one year in the army, I got better understanding of different motives to defend. Kids in Kyiv panic under missile strikes, calling their dad - my brother in arms - at the front to keep them safe.

The more mature I get, the clearer it is: protect your family. That’s why. Image
Read 5 tweets
Aug 29
Day 1284. I am in the heaviest battle of Pokrovsk, Donetsk, East Ukraine.

This is my combat gear and my weapon. It does not shoot, but it delivers A LOT of pain to Russian invaders. With this weapon, they have nowhere to hide.

I am Ukrainian Soldier. That’s what I go through 🧵 Image
In Donbas, Russians use small motorcycle and infantry groups.

They suffer heavy losses, mainly before reaching combat. Only 20 out of 100 soldiers make it, as drones eliminate most on approach. We help strike teams terminate them.

Still, Ruskies keep coming and dying here… Image
We are extremely tired, getting only 2-3 hours of sleep a day at most, and trying to rest whenever possible.

However, we understand this sacrifice is necessary; we must work hard to save our nation. And if everyone thinks like my group does, I think we will eventually win. Image
Read 8 tweets
Feb 27
Why Ukrainians Will Not Get a Just, Lasting Peace 🧵

Thoughts as Ukrainian Soldier, Christian, Public Policy student: Image
1/ With Trump’s return, Ukraine’s fate is back in debate - especially among those of us fighting on the frontlines.
In our dugout, trench candles flicker, artillery rumbles. My buddy John exhales:

"Trump is back. He’ll force Russia to negotiate."

And the debate begins.
2/ We all want peace. But what if that “peace” is just a ceasefire—a frozen conflict that only delays the next invasion?
Back in Dnipro, I kept thinking:

Not just as soldier, but as a public policy student, a writer, and a Ukrainian citizen.

Could real, just peace exist for us?
Read 15 tweets
Feb 24
Day 1097. First day of 4th year of the Russian full-scale invasion.

I can’t believe it.

I am a Ukrainian soldier, on a day off today. Lots of time to think before I head out for my next mission at 4 AM tomorrow.

Here is WHY I protect my home and fight for Ukraine’s Freedom. 🧵 Image
People often asked why I fight, joined the Army, or why Ukraine matters to me.

I just wanna live Free and pursue Happiness.

I wrote a book explaining Ukrainians through my lens - through my little personal story of war.

It's on pre-sale now: kovyla.pub/dimkoImage
@kovyla_pub I fight for my friends and family who got killed in action by Russia.

I lost many friends this year. Lost my uncle in combat near Pokrovsk.

Visited many of my friends yesterday at military cemetery in Lviv. Surreal isn’t it? It’s so unfair. Image
Read 14 tweets

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