After escaping captivity and returning to territory controlled by Ukraine, a soldier known as Volodymyr has re-enlisted in the military. His journey reflects the challenges faced by many in the ongoing conflict.
Volodymyr, who goes by the call sign “Kipish,” vividly recalls the morning of February 24, 2022. Living near Kherson, he was awakened by explosions from the nearby Chornobayivka airport. The sounds of war, which began around 4:30 a.m., transformed his reality. By 7 a.m., he had sent his mother on the last bus to Ternopil, a decision that would resonate deeply with him.
Following this, he contacted a friend from his military training, and together they went to the local military recruitment center. That same day, he was mobilized into the 124th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade.
As the city grappled with the unfolding invasion, events in the Kherson region escalated rapidly. By mid-morning, Russian forces had entered Nova Kakhovka, prominently displaying their flag at the local hydroelectric station. By 11 a.m., Russian paratroopers had landed near the Antonivskyi Bridge, aiming to cut off key routes and weaken defenses around Kherson.
In the early days of the conflict, Volodymyr found himself near the Antonivskyi Bridge, where Ukrainian forces, including the 124th Brigade and other units, managed to repel the Russian assault. This strategic position allowed Ukrainian troops to regroup and resist further encroachment, even as Russian airstrikes intensified.
On February 25, fighting continued around the Antonivskyi Bridge, but Russian forces ultimately gained control. The defenders faced a stark reality: they lacked personnel, heavy weaponry, and time. A tactical withdrawal was necessary to preserve their forces for future resistance, as the city braced for an impending assault.
The assault commenced on March 1, with Russian troops advancing from the airport toward Mykolaiv highway. Tanks and armored vehicles entered Kherson, leading to street battles. On that day, approximately 30 members of the territorial defense were killed in Buzkovyi Park while attempting to halt the advancing Russian column.
Following the battles and the effective takeover of Kherson, many soldiers dispersed to prepare for guerrilla warfare. Volodymyr was captured by Russian forces, who quickly identified him as an officer. He endured interrogations and psychological pressure, including torture and threats designed to coerce him into collaboration. He recalls the isolation as particularly torturous, as the lack of information led to despair.
Despite this, he held onto hope, listening to the sounds of Ukrainian artillery from Mykolaiv. He reassured himself that as long as Mykolaiv stood firm, so too would Kyiv. To maintain his spirit, he quietly sang Ukrainian patriotic songs and the national anthem.
Eventually, Volodymyr managed to escape captivity and return to Ukrainian-controlled territory. His first action upon regaining freedom was to re-enlist in the military. He subsequently held various roles, including deputy commander of a company and service in the 9th and 12th Army Corps, where he participated in significant operations, including the counteroffensive in Zaporizhzhia and the defense of Avdiivka.
Alongside his military duties, Volodymyr leveraged skills he had developed prior to the war in visual and digital content creation. He had experience in graphic design, video production, and social media communication, which he adapted to the military context. His ability to convey stories effectively became a vital asset, ensuring that narratives were engaging yet truthful.
Today, Volodymyr serves as a senior officer in the communications department of the 18th Army Corps. His role encompasses managing content and media that convey the realities of the conflict. He emphasizes that warfare extends beyond weaponry; it also involves the narratives that shape public understanding of Ukraine’s struggle and resilience.
By Oleksiy Lemeshenko
Volodymyr, a Ukrainian soldier, recounts his experiences from the onset of the invasion to his escape from captivity and subsequent re-enlistment. His story highlights the dual challenges of military engagement and effective communication in wartime.
