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Another unforgettable moment was when soldiers managed to disable an enemy drone mid-flight using only the jamming equipment we had delivered the week before. "It was hovering right over us," one defender recounted, "and then - bam! It was down, like a bird losing its wings." They laughed as they showed us the remains, a symbol of their resourcefulness and the importance of having the right tools.
Then, a soldier shared what happened just after taking a strategic location. Amidst the chaos, soldiers stumbled upon an old piano in a bombed-out building. Despite the missing keys and years of neglect, one soldier managed to play a few recognisable tunes. “It was out of tune, and we were exhausted,” he said, laughing, “but for five minutes, it felt like the world was normal again.” His impromptu concert provided the unit with a moment of ease, before heading back to their mission.
One particular story left everyone in awe. While advancing through contested territory in Humvees, the soldiers unknowingly entered a minefield. They realised the danger only when one of the mines detonated near one of their vehicles, sending shockwaves through the convoy. Instead of panicking, they relied on their training and the durability of their Humvees to navigate through the perilous terrain. “You could hear the explosions and feel the ground shake beneath us,” one soldier recounted. “But everyone stayed focused, calling out directions and guiding each other to safety.” Mines continued to detonate around them as they maneuvered carefully out of the danger zone, miraculously avoiding injury. By the time they returned to safety, they were shaken but alive, filled with gratitude for the teamwork and protection their vehicles provided. “It was like being given a second life,” the commander said. “And we weren’t going to waste it”. That same morning, as the team processed the harrowing events of the night, Rima arrived in Sumy to meet them. Her arrival brought not only essential supplies but also much-needed encouragement. “Seeing her there as a representative of UAO, an international volunteer organization, felt like a reminder that we’re not alone,” one soldier shared. “It gave us strength to keep going.”
A smaller but still beautiful story came from a unit that managed to rescue a dog left behind in an abandoned village. The dog, hungry and scared, tagged along and quickly became the unit’s mascot. They named him and took turns feeding and keeping him safe between operations. “He’s one of us now!” a soldier said, smiling as the dog sat faithfully by their side.
Such moments, blends of humor and triumph, reflect the humanity and spirit of Ukraine’s defenders. They remind us that even amidst the challenges of war, these soldiers carry a deep sense of pride and determination, fighting not just for Ukraine’s sovereignty but for its future. Supporting their mission and hearing their stories drives home the importance of standing with them every step of the way.
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