115 days in a forest Russia has tried to seize since 2022—one border guard’s stand
In the Serebryanskyi forest, holding on that long meant digging a well for water so that supply drones could bring in more food.
In October 2024, Mykhailo, a Ukrainian border guard, was deployed to the Serebryanskyi forest, an area that has been contested since 2022. He joined the rapid-response border commandant unit Shkval, where he held his position for 115 days amidst constant drone attacks. Mykhailo recalled the challenges of logistics, stating that they had to supply the positions with food and water, even digging their own well to ensure a steady water source.
The constant drone attacks and the need to self-sustain took a toll on his endurance, but his fellow soldiers kept him motivated. When he expressed his exhaustion, they encouraged him to stay put, saying, "Sit tight. Together to the end." Mykhailo's family was his greatest incentive to defend Ukraine.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
