One Ukrainian soldier's bitter bargain for freedom: Ukraine’s convicts at war
Sjava reaches into his pocket for his phone using what remains of his hands. He lost all but one thumb during a mission on the front lines of the war in Ukraine. His friend Francouz is video calling him, and as Sjava answers, a voice from the other side of the screen barks a swashbuckling command: "Why don’t you stand up when you speak with me?!" Sjava convulses with laughter in his electric…
Sjava, a Ukrainian soldier recovering from injuries sustained during the war, recounts his harrowing journey. At 52, he lost all but one thumb in combat, his legs and foot mangled from shrapnel. Once a career criminal, Sjava volunteered for military service in exchange for conditional release, joining Ukraine's 59th Brigade. Like many of his fellow convicts, he enlisted for the promise of dignity and purpose.
On a mission to a dangerous front line, Sjava's group came under fire, and he was gravely wounded, losing his other leg and part of his foot. Despite the odds, Sjava remains optimistic, praying for survival and grateful for any assistance he receives from Ukrainian forces.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Ukraine's UN envoy: Russian army lost one soldier every 48 seconds in Oct en.interfax.com.ua
