Yesterday at 20:25
Patron the dog, the mascot of a military unit, is learning New Year songs along with soldiers.
Five years ago when he was still a puppy, he was found by a Ukrainian serviceman. Volunteers made special body armor for the dog.
“Friends of mine sewed this body armor for him. Because once he was wounded and suffered from shell shock. The body armor is cool. It is basically a bullet-proof vest. It’s great protection against bullets and shrapnel. It’s not heavy, it only weighs around 1.3 kilograms,” Ukrainian soldier Denys said.
In this unit, Yuriy is the one who gets everyone into a festive mood. He is a professional musician, and knows how to play the balalaika, guitar and Sopilka flute. He gave up music in 2015, when he came to the front line. Today, fellow soldiers gave him a button accordion.
“We have to to defend Ukraine. If we don’t, who will? And it’s just an outlet. I have not played music for so many years. My fingers have already atrophied,” Yuriy said.
Anatoliy remarked on Yuriy’s playing. “Last year I heard how Yuriy played on New Year’s Eve. He played a lot. And he continues to play. It’s a type of a folk music,” the Ukrainian soldier said.
Preparations for the new year do not distract soldiers from their service. They are on duty at observation posts around the clock.
Soldier Andriy said, “The occupant is constantly changing his tactics. They have regular rotations. One gang formation is quite aggressive. They use small arms, and an AGS-17 mounted automatic grenade launcher. Sometimes there is a shelling with heavy machine guns. This is not the first New Year for our military unit. Therefore, we are, in principle, ready for anything.”
The Ukrainian soldiers will mark the new year not with their loved ones, but with fellow soldiers. Therefore, they use this opportunity to send greetings to their families.
Soldier Roman share his sentiments, “I want to send greetings to my loved ones, relatives and parents. Dear mom and dad, everything is fine. I wish a Happy New Year and Merry Christmas to all residents of my hometown!”
Oleksandr, spoke about an addition to his family. “My granddaughter was born this year. This is her first New Year. Happy New Year to her. Glory to Ukraine!” the soldier said.
“I want to wish a Happy Birthday and a Happy New Year to my wife,” soldier Denys said.
“Happy New Year! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Heroes!” the soldiers said.
