Ban

The platoon sergeant major, commander of the 3rd artillery division with the call sign “Ban,” was serving as a machine gunner with the rank of senior soldier at the time of the full-scale invasion.

Ban recalls the first days of the full-scale invasion: “On February 24, 2022, we were awakened by an alarm in the barracks. We could see flashes from incoming missiles in the windows, hear explosions, and gunfire in the distance.

The realization that a full-scale war had begun only came when we started setting up our guns. We repelled the Russian attack on Kharkiv, working on enemy convoys in the early days.

My feelings ranged from fear to anxiety for my loved ones, with whom I had no contact at the time. But I got used to it very quickly.

For me, the war has changed a lot; it has become more complicated. Now, with the advent of drones, we need to pay more attention to preparing for arrivals at positions and camouflage.

I am proud to serve in Spartan, because I have fought with this brigade since the very beginning of the full-scale invasion. These are my brothers in arms. And of course, we all dream of victory and the opportunity to return to our families, so every day we do everything possible to make this a reality.”