A fair exchange with the Armed Forces of Ukraine: what military service takes away and what it offers in return.
My third birthday in the Armed Forces of Ukraine
For the first year and a half of the war, I used to say I was a former journalist. Now I joke that I'm a "future" one. After the war, I plan to return to my profession and buy myself a new motorcycle to travel to the countries that have supported us the most.
I believe that the army allows you to understand the country much better than social media. Half of my platoon isn’t on Facebook, but these people are very much a part of my life. They all hold up the sky, so it doesn’t fall on others’ heads.
Here, you miss the privileges of civilian life. You long for weekends again, to plan your life independently, and not to worry about fitting all your belongings into two duffel bags.
Yet, at the same time, I've had an honest exchange with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Military service takes away many things, but in return, it gives you the most important thing: the right to not be ashamed of yourself.
The author expresses a personal opinion that may not align with the editorial stance. The responsibility for the published content in the "Opinions" section lies with the author.