Interview with three servicemen of the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade “Kholodny Yar” who held their position together for over 7 months without rotation

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAJiQf-TZv8

Text version:

How long were you on positions?
7.5 months. Almost… almost eight.

From August 7 we went in, and on August 9 we reached the position, replaced the guys, and that was it. And the very first moment, when we had just arrived at the position, they started shelling us right away—on the first day, after half an hour, as soon as we replaced the group, they started hitting us. They spent about 40 FPVs on us over two days, in short. We thought that was it—they even threw gas at us and incendiaries inside. We were already burning, had to put it out.

And about 3–4 days ago. They were rushing toward our position. They had this hole marked on their map in their phone. So it turned out I dropped one, and my partner hit the second in the head. I waited—I was standing at the entrance, waiting for the moment when they would come closer together. I didn’t attack right away. I waited at the entrance. The first one—the one breaking in—was in front, the partner behind him. I shot him immediately—in the stomach and legs—and the second one my partner took in the head.

How did you know the enemy was coming?
They told us in advance over the radio.

They first passed by us, but then our FPVs started hitting them in the tree line, and they were “300s”—lightly wounded, you could see it. They started running for shelter, and our shelter was the closest.

There was a situation in October when one was crawling up to my position. I had to kill him because he was already looking into the hole. I was standing right at the entrance. We had been warned that sometimes our drones couldn’t spot the enemy because he hid well somewhere in the bushes. So we had to go out to the entrance, listen, roughly pass on the sounds, adjust fire. There was a moment in autumn when he came right up to us—but I shot him, and he dropped.

About a month ago—well, more actually—I was with my partner at the position. He says: “Blondie, when will we be pulled out?” I said: “In 2026, I’ll tell you the month later.” But on the 20th—exactly on the 20th—we got out completely.

You’ve got some kind of gift of foresight.
Well, yeah, over 35 years already.

You guys were rotated on the position, right?
Yes.

How did they go in?
Normally.

How did you meet them?
The same—normally. The weather allowed it.

Did you talk to them?
Yes, of course. We explained everything—what and how to do, where the enemy comes from.

I know someone was wounded in the leg, right?
Yes.

How did it happen?
I went out—the weather was bad—to get a zinc ammo can. I wanted to use it as a food box because we had mice and rats—if food just lies around, it gets spoiled. So I went out for the zinc, and when I was coming back, someone started shooting at me. I didn’t even understand from where. I waited it out and ran back. They dropped me medications—everything I needed—and it healed quickly.

And now the leg is okay?
Yes, everything is fine now.

Tell me, how was the winter? How did you get through it?
Hard. Trench candles saved us mostly. They dropped us warm clothes. We sealed ourselves in with cloaks and boards. The entrance was small, like a foxhole. With candles burning, it was actually warm.

How old are you?
42.

And you?
35.

And you’re 21? Different age categories. Almost each one ten years apart. Did you have any conflicts?
It happened, yes—small things. You know, over a long time, you get tired of everything. We’d quarrel, then brew coffee they delivered to us, sit, smile, laugh, drink coffee.

Approximately, how many enemy were destroyed from your position?
More than 10 for sure—the ones who tried to take our point. Near my position overall, maybe around 30.

I see you have crosses. Are you a believer?
Yes, I believe in God.

Did you often turn to God while on the position?
Often. It gave me strength. I know my family is waiting for me, my son is waiting. You just overcome it inside yourself. Patience.

How old is your son?
10 years.

I just know they’re waiting for me—that’s the most important.