Exclusive Interview Reveals Harrowing Reality Behind Ukraine War Volunteer
A chilling account from a young Ukrainian volunteer soldier, identified as Akula, who joined the fight at the outset of Russia's invasion, has shed light on the traumatic experience of war. The 24-year-old soldier recounts his time on the front lines in a heart-wrenching conversation with CNN journalist David McKenzie.
Akula's harrowing story is one of extreme mental and physical strain, as he describes facing unimaginable hardships, including subzero temperatures, starvation, and isolation. His account paints a stark picture of the psychological toll war takes on those who serve at its forefront.
The volunteer soldier's experiences were marked by fear, loneliness, and an overwhelming sense of desperation. "It was scary, cold, hungry, and lonely," Akula shares in the interview, his words piercingly honest about the realities he faced during the conflict.
Akula's account serves as a poignant reminder of the long-lasting effects of trauma on individuals involved in conflicts like Ukraine's. The soldier's story is now being shared with CNN as part of an ongoing effort to shed light on the psychological and emotional tolls of war, sparking empathy and fostering greater understanding among viewers.
A chilling account from a young Ukrainian volunteer soldier, identified as Akula, who joined the fight at the outset of Russia's invasion, has shed light on the traumatic experience of war. The 24-year-old soldier recounts his time on the front lines in a heart-wrenching conversation with CNN journalist David McKenzie.
Akula's harrowing story is one of extreme mental and physical strain, as he describes facing unimaginable hardships, including subzero temperatures, starvation, and isolation. His account paints a stark picture of the psychological toll war takes on those who serve at its forefront.
The volunteer soldier's experiences were marked by fear, loneliness, and an overwhelming sense of desperation. "It was scary, cold, hungry, and lonely," Akula shares in the interview, his words piercingly honest about the realities he faced during the conflict.
Akula's account serves as a poignant reminder of the long-lasting effects of trauma on individuals involved in conflicts like Ukraine's. The soldier's story is now being shared with CNN as part of an ongoing effort to shed light on the psychological and emotional tolls of war, sparking empathy and fostering greater understanding among viewers.
his story is giving me chills i cant even imagine being in those shoes for that long, all alone on the front lines with no way to escape the cold and hunger it's crazy how war can take a toll on our mental health too we need more ppl like akula sharing their stories so we can understand what they're going through 
u think about all the ppl who went thru that & its just wow 
how do u keep goin when everythin seems impossible? thats what got me curious, wut made Akula wanna join up in the 1st place? was it patriotism or somethin else?
war should never be glamorized or romanticized we need more people like Akula sharing their stories so we can understand what's really going on over there 
anyway its super important we keep sharing these stories so ppl can understand the real impact of war on those who fight 
its like, ppl need 2 know whats really goin on over there rn. war is SO harsh on ur mental health u can't even imagine till u experience it urself lol. we gotta keep spreadin awareness so ppl cn understand wut these soldiers r goin thru 
[img: soldier with a phone, looking frustrated] 
. I mean, we're all talking about the soldiers and volunteers like Akula, but have you ever stopped to think about how it affects them? The PTSD, the anxiety... it's not just some abstract concept; it's real people who deserve our support and understanding 
.
. We need to acknowledge that there are consequences beyond just the big picture, beyond the headlines and hashtags 
. It's time we start listening to their stories and offering them the help they deserve