‘Everyone’s afraid to die’: Struggle to recruit soldiers in Ukraine turns violent

It is clear that Vasyl Krupych experienced horror in the war.

He initially volunteered and survived some of the most brutal battles.

Krupych is proud of his service – the tattoo on his neck says “Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine” – but he suffers from nightmares.

He was seriously injured when an FPV drone crashed into his vehicle, but he managed to drag a friend to safety. He saw two other people burn to death.

Now, when we discuss the increasing number of attacks against soldiers, his words are painful.

This is not just about his own suffering: this case is still pending in the courts. This is also the gap between what he endured and those who did everything possible to avoid the same thing.

“We are doing our duty. We fought, we defended our people, and now they are attacking us.”

I wonder what he thinks might motivate people to serve instead of pushing them, and he talks about increasing wages.

But then he shrugs.

“It can’t be done differently, it can’t be changed. Our children need to be changed. But no one volunteers,” he says.

“Everyone is afraid of dying.”