A Ukrainian Volunteer Soldier Describes Life on the Front Lines as 'Scary, Cold, Hungry, and Lonely'
The horrors of war are not just witnessed by those at the forefront but also experienced by those who fight for their countries. For 25-year-old Akula, a volunteer soldier from Ukraine, his decision to join the war effort against Russia has left him with severe trauma that is taking a toll on his mental health.
"I was scared, cold, hungry, and lonely," Akula recalled in an emotional interview with CNN's David McKenzie. His words paint a vivid picture of the harsh realities he faced while fighting on the front lines. The young soldier signed up for war at the beginning of Russia's invasion, unaware of the psychological battle he would soon have to confront.
Akula described his experiences as 'scary and intense.' He witnessed multiple attacks, explosions, and the constant fear of being killed or injured. The cold temperatures only added to his discomfort, making every waking moment a struggle to stay warm. Hunger was another constant companion, with Akula often going without meals for days at a time.
The psychological strain of war proved even more challenging. "I felt alone and disconnected from everything," he said. "Even the people I was fighting alongside seemed like strangers." The trauma has left Akula struggling with PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety attacks.
Akula's story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war. His experiences, while extreme, are not unique to him alone. Many soldiers return from combat with physical injuries but also struggle with mental health issues that can affect their lives forever.
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it is essential that we recognize the sacrifices made by those fighting on the front lines and support them in their recovery. Akula's bravery and resilience are a testament to the strength of the human spirit, but his story also underscores the need for compassion and understanding when dealing with the aftermath of war.
The horrors of war are not just witnessed by those at the forefront but also experienced by those who fight for their countries. For 25-year-old Akula, a volunteer soldier from Ukraine, his decision to join the war effort against Russia has left him with severe trauma that is taking a toll on his mental health.
"I was scared, cold, hungry, and lonely," Akula recalled in an emotional interview with CNN's David McKenzie. His words paint a vivid picture of the harsh realities he faced while fighting on the front lines. The young soldier signed up for war at the beginning of Russia's invasion, unaware of the psychological battle he would soon have to confront.
Akula described his experiences as 'scary and intense.' He witnessed multiple attacks, explosions, and the constant fear of being killed or injured. The cold temperatures only added to his discomfort, making every waking moment a struggle to stay warm. Hunger was another constant companion, with Akula often going without meals for days at a time.
The psychological strain of war proved even more challenging. "I felt alone and disconnected from everything," he said. "Even the people I was fighting alongside seemed like strangers." The trauma has left Akula struggling with PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety attacks.
Akula's story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war. His experiences, while extreme, are not unique to him alone. Many soldiers return from combat with physical injuries but also struggle with mental health issues that can affect their lives forever.
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it is essential that we recognize the sacrifices made by those fighting on the front lines and support them in their recovery. Akula's bravery and resilience are a testament to the strength of the human spirit, but his story also underscores the need for compassion and understanding when dealing with the aftermath of war.
i mean, we can't even imagine being in those shoes and how scary it must've been to witness all that violence and then deal with the mental toll afterwards 
my heart goes out to him and everyone else who's fighting for their country 
we should def be supporting them more than just with money tho, we need to listen too 
like, really hear their stories and struggles so they don't feel alone in this
. It makes you realize that war isn't just about shootin' and fightin', it's about the human cost, you know? The psychological strain of bein' in that situation is real, and it's somethin' we gotta take seriously. We need to make sure these guys get the help they need after they come back, 'cause the trauma can last forever 
the physical toll is one thing, but the emotional trauma he's going through is just devastating 
it's not just about the fighting itself, but the fear of not making it back home to loved ones 
we need to be there for our soldiers, supporting them through every stage of recovery, so they don't feel like akula does - alone and disconnected 
. It's like, I thought I was scared during the Gulf War 
, but this is on a whole different level. He's talkin' PTSD, flashbacks, nightmares... it's like his mind is still fightin' the war, ya know? 
And you're right, we gotta support these soldiers when they get back home. They don't just put on their uniform and forget what they saw 
. We need to give 'em a hand, some therapy, somethin' to help 'em process all this trauma 
.