Today at 12:33
Ihor Hordiychuk is an army general who always finds the time to talk to journalists. For his efforts defending the country in Donbas, particularly in the August 2014 battles for Savur-Mohyla, the commander of a reconnaissance unit, was awarded the title, Hero of Ukraine.
Outnumbered and under constant enemy shelling this man resisted a Russian hybrid forces attack near Ilovaisk. During the battle, Hordiichuk sustained a life-threatening shrapnel injury to the back of his head. Following the injury, he underwent multiple surgeries and rehabilitation in the US, and in Ukraine. A process that continues to this day.
Hordiichuk was among those defending Ukraine from the very first days of the Russian invasion. The veteran says, he had realized the day would come long before the Spring of 2014.
“After what happened in Abkhazia, Georgia […] at this point everything became clear to us. And then Russia got involved in Ukraine when they tried to seize the island of Tuzla. Back then I was the chief of staff of the brigade. When we were called into action some of the officers were in disbelief — how we could shoot at Russians? ‘These are our brothers,’ they said. That time the situation was resolved peacefully. But it became clear: we need to prepare, Russia is not a friend, but an enemy,” Chief of Ivan Bohun Kyiv Military Lyceum, Hero of Ukraine, Ihor Hordiichuk said.
Since 2016, Hordiychuk is the head of the Kyiv Military Lyceum. As of 2019, among the 500 students, there is a female-only platoon — for the first time in Ukrainian history.
Hordiychuk is actively promoting the idea of gender equality in the military. He says, his female students are highly motivated and are setting an example for others. Like any career military, Hordiiychuk cherishes discipline.
“How could you forget your notebook? You are wearing a military uniform, you are in a military school. You can forget it in a regular school, but in this place it is unacceptable. First offense — you get a remark, next time — a warning, the third time — you’re expelled and that’s that. We’re not babysitting them. And I am of the belief that army strength is determined by quality, not quantity. 20 professionals will do a better job than a hundred amateurs,” he said.
One must take a holistic approach in order to win in the hybrid war waged by Russia, says Hordiychuk. In addition to a strong army, information resistance, strengthening the economy and protecting the Ukrainian language and culture is a must. He says this is to ensure that the enemy will not encroach on the integrity of the country.
“We choose peace, but only on Ukraine’s terms, not Putin’s, not Moscow’s. That’s the only way. We either defend ourselves or surrender. As Churchill said, ‘when given the choice between war and dishonor, choose dishonor, and you will have war’. Russia cannot be trusted, it’s always looking to deceive. Over the past five years, Ukraine has been doing everything right, and I am convinced it will emerge as a winner,” Hordiichuk added.
Hordiichuk calls himself an optimist. He says a country that was able to repel one of the largest armies in the world will no doubt live to be successful and prosperous.
