Trauma Lingers as Volunteer Soldier Describes Harrowing Experience in Ukraine
A 19-year-old volunteer soldier, Akula, who enlisted at the onset of Russia's invasion in Ukraine, is now grappling with the lasting effects of war on his mental well-being. Speaking exclusively to CNN's David McKenzie, Akula shared an unflinching account of life on the front lines, where he faced unimaginable conditions that tested his physical and emotional limits.
"I'm scared, cold, hungry, and lonely," Akula said, his voice laced with a mix of exhaustion and vulnerability. "These are just a few words to describe what I've been through in Ukraine." He recounted the harsh realities of war, where basic necessities like food and warmth became luxuries that many took for granted.
Akula joined the fight at the beginning of Russia's invasion, eager to lend his support to those in need. However, as the months dragged on, he found himself increasingly entangled in a web of trauma that continues to haunt him. The psychological toll of witnessing atrocities and losing comrades weighs heavily on him.
"War is not just about fighting; it's also about survival," Akula said, his eyes betraying a deep-seated pain. "When you're living with the fear of death every day, it changes you in ways that are hard to explain." The isolation he experienced while deployed further exacerbated his mental health struggles.
Akula's story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the long-lasting impact it can have on those who serve. As the world watches Ukraine grapple with the aftermath of Russia's invasion, Akula's words offer a stark warning: the consequences of war extend far beyond the battlefield, affecting soldiers like him in profound and lasting ways.
A 19-year-old volunteer soldier, Akula, who enlisted at the onset of Russia's invasion in Ukraine, is now grappling with the lasting effects of war on his mental well-being. Speaking exclusively to CNN's David McKenzie, Akula shared an unflinching account of life on the front lines, where he faced unimaginable conditions that tested his physical and emotional limits.
"I'm scared, cold, hungry, and lonely," Akula said, his voice laced with a mix of exhaustion and vulnerability. "These are just a few words to describe what I've been through in Ukraine." He recounted the harsh realities of war, where basic necessities like food and warmth became luxuries that many took for granted.
Akula joined the fight at the beginning of Russia's invasion, eager to lend his support to those in need. However, as the months dragged on, he found himself increasingly entangled in a web of trauma that continues to haunt him. The psychological toll of witnessing atrocities and losing comrades weighs heavily on him.
"War is not just about fighting; it's also about survival," Akula said, his eyes betraying a deep-seated pain. "When you're living with the fear of death every day, it changes you in ways that are hard to explain." The isolation he experienced while deployed further exacerbated his mental health struggles.
Akula's story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the long-lasting impact it can have on those who serve. As the world watches Ukraine grapple with the aftermath of Russia's invasion, Akula's words offer a stark warning: the consequences of war extend far beyond the battlefield, affecting soldiers like him in profound and lasting ways.
oh my god i'm literally shaking just reading this article about akula the volunteer soldier he's only 19 and already gone through so much trauma it's heartbreaking to think that he's still struggling with the aftermath of war I mean we talk about PTSD all the time but hearing his words firsthand is just devastating war really is not just about fighting it's about survival and Akula's story is a harsh reminder of that 
we need to be supporting our soldiers like him more we can't forget that they're human beings too and that they have families and friends waiting back home 
. It's like, he's still trying to process everything that happened while we're over here expecting him to be all heroic and stuff 
. Newsflash: war ain't no video game, and these soldiers are real people with feelings too 
. We need to start recognizing the mental health toll of conflict and provide better support for folks like Akula 
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Watching this video of Akula made me think about all the young people I know who were caught up in the whole VJ scene back in 2000-2002... 
Those were wild times, but at least we had a clear end goal – we were fighting for something that mattered to us. This kid's experience in Ukraine is so much more complex, you feel him? The war isn't just about the fighting; it's about losing friends, seeing things that no one should ever have to see... 
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Akula's right, war ain't just about fighting; it's about survival. And that's what gets me every time - the human cost of conflict. 