Ukrainian soldier on surviving 200 days in the kill zone
In this interview, the Kyiv Independent’s Kateryna Hodunova speaks with “Khvoryi,” a soldier in Ukraine’s 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade “Kholodnyi Yar,” about what it takes to survive for more than six months at a combat position.
For 204 days, two Ukrainian soldiers endured life in the kill zone, enduring constant Russian drone surveillance and artillery fire. The Kyiv Independent’s Kateryna Hodunova interviewed one of these soldiers, known as “Khvoryi,” who served in Ukraine’s 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade “Kholodnyi Yar.”
In the interview, Khvoryi shared how the pair persevered through the grueling conditions. They relied heavily on each other, constantly adapting to the battlefield where even the simplest tasks became perilous due to the presence of drones. The soldier detailed his experiences with fighting off FPV drones, repelling Russian soldiers, and retrieving supplies while under constant surveillance.
The interview also shed light on the psychological strain of being isolated for such an extended period. Despite the hardships, Khvoryi emphasized the importance of maintaining small routines that helped him and his comrade stay focused and resilient.
Drone warfare, Khvoryi noted, has fundamentally transformed the role of Ukraine’s infantry. He speculated on whether drones could potentially replace infantry soldiers, though he did not offer a definitive answer. Most importantly, the six-month stint on the battlefield altered Khvoryi’s perspective on war and life itself.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
