Kyiv, Ukraine – On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to order the invasion of Ukraine marked the beginning of the largest land war in Europe since World War II. In response, thousands of Ukrainians, many without prior military experience, immediately enlisted to defend their country against the Russian forces, driven by a sense of duty and the need to protect their homeland.
Over two years have passed since the conflict began, and for many Ukrainian fighters, the war has become a prolonged struggle impacting every aspect of their lives. Among these individuals are Vadym Burei, Oleksandra Ryazantseva, and Taras, each with their own unique stories of sacrifice, perseverance, and resilience on the battlefield.
Vadym Burei, a 44-year-old soldier known as Vasylovich, tragically lost both of his legs in a missile strike while delivering supplies to Ukrainian forces near Bakhmut. Despite his debilitating injuries, Burei remained steadfast in his commitment to serving his country, undergoing extensive rehabilitation and adjusting to life with prosthetic limbs.
For Oleksandra Ryazantseva, a former stylist turned soldier known as Yalta, the war brought a stark transformation in her lifestyle, trading fashionable clothes and makeup for camouflage uniforms and combat gear. Raised in Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, Ryazantseva felt compelled to join the fight against the invaders, ultimately finding herself on the front lines facing Russian forces.
Taras, a 24-year-old academic turned drone pilot known as Stoyik, found himself thrust into the conflict despite his initial skepticism about the war. As part of the Bratstvo Battalion, Taras grappled with the loss of friends and the harsh realities of combat, shifting his priorities and outlook on life in the face of ongoing conflict.
Each of these individuals has experienced profound changes and sacrifices as a result of their involvement in the war, highlighting the resilience and courage of Ukrainian fighters in the face of adversity. Their stories offer a glimpse into the human toll of the conflict and the enduring spirit of those who have dedicated themselves to defending their country.