It’s clear that Vasyl Krupych experienced horrors at war.
He volunteered at the very start and has survived some of the grimmest battles.
Krupych is proud of his service – a tattoo on his neck declares “Glory to the Ukrainian Armed Forces” – but he suffers from nightmares.
When his vehicle was hit by an FPV drone, he was badly injured but managed to drag one friend to safety. He saw two others burned to death.
Now, when we discuss the increase in attacks against draft officers, his words drip with hurt.
It’s not just about what he suffered himself: that case is still going through the courts. It’s also the gulf between what he has endured and those doing everything possible to avoid the same.
“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 coercing them, and he mentions raising salaries.
But then he shrugs.
“It can’t be done differently, it can’t. Our lads need to be replaced. But nobody volunteers,” he says.
“Everyone is afraid to die.”
