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 🧵
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 🧵
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…
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.
Why Ukrainians Will Not Get a Just, Lasting Peace 🧵
Thoughts as Ukrainian Soldier, Christian, Public Policy student:
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.
Thread: Why Do Russians Go to Fight in Ukraine? It’s All About the $$$
1/ Why do Russians go to fight in Ukraine? Spoiler: it’s not about ideology or patriotism. It’s all about the money.
Let me explain.
2/ In many Russian regions, the average salary is ~$150/month. These areas, essentially colonies, are deliberately kept impoverished by Moscow. People rely on predatory microloans to survive, trapping them in a vicious cycle of poverty.
3/ Then, the Kremlin swoops in with military contracts. Huge sign-up bonuses, travel costs covered, and promises of stability. Recruitment drives specifically target these struggling regions—offering “fast money” to people who have no other way out.
Day 1000. My life changed drastically since day 1.
Everyone said Ukraine will fall in 3 days. Not a single person believed in us, but we fought fiercely in 2022, against all odds, and we won the battle of Kyiv.
My thoughts on 1000 days, as a soldier of Ukrainian Army now🧵
My life changed a ton. From peaceful life of IT guy earning a fortune, traveling through the world and enjoying life with my girlfriend... To a soldier wearin uniform.
I give my everything to protect my dear ones in Ukraine and to protect the greatest value of my life - Freedom.
I also grew as a person in those 1000 days of tears, death, wounds, sacrifice, faith and love. It was a tough transformation in the time of challenges. But worth it.
I became responsible for my own actions, my family, my nation and our own planet Earth.