Heroes Among Us: The way of Defender "Ketsyk"

We continue the series of the project “Heroes Among Us”, where we share the stories of cadets of the National Academy of the National Guard of Ukraine.

“Ketsyk” is a first-year cadet of the Command and Staff Faculty. His military career began in 2020 with conscription military service in the 25th Public Order Brigade of Kyiv. There he performed patrolling, ensuring security and order tasks.

In September 2021, after a year of military service, "Ketsyk" decided to sign a contract and continue his service. This step became an important stage in his life, and already in February 2022, when the full-scale invasion began, "Ketsyk" joined to the performance of combat missions. At the beginning of the war, he performed security duties at the Zhuliany airport –  a strategic facility in the capital, where measures were taken to counter a possible enemy’s attack.

"At night, February 23-24, 2022, I went on combat duty at Zhuliany Airport. I had no idea that I would see the beginning of a full-scale war. We blocked the runway, created defensive lines, and prepared for a possible landing", – our hero remembers.

After a month of service near the airport, "Ketsyk" voluntarily joined the tactical group that went to the east of Ukraine. In the Bakhmut direction, he worked as a grenade thrower, participating in the neutralization of enemy’s fortifications. One of the important tasks was to strengthen defensive positions near Kramatorsk.

"The place of deployment was a village near the road, where we occupied strategically important positions. This area was critical for controlling the enemy's movement and securing the defensive line in the area. We reduced the enemy's maneuverability and held key points to ruin any attempts of attack. The work was difficult and dangerous, but the importance of each step left no margin for error, – "Ketsyk" says. – Then we were sent to clean the territory, but the occupiers were firmly entrenched under the slag heap. The enemy did not stop: the whistle of shells, explosions, fire. You run and do not know where to find a safe place, like in a horror movie. These minutes are forever etched in my memory as the most terrible in my life".

The guard emphasizes that even in the most terrible moments of the fighting, the support between the comrade was extremely important and tangible. The serviceman understanded that only thanks to this unity and sense of brotherhood, it was possible to undergo the most difficult battles, losses and stressful situations.

"We felt when someone was sad, and we immediately tried to cheer up with a conversation or a joke. For each of us, it was our first experience of such difficult battles, but we learned to hold together", "Ketsyk" says.

After completing the tasks in Bakhmut, our hero was sent to the Kharkiv direction, where he performed tasks to neutralize enemy’s forces. He also participated in combat operations in the Lyman direction. These operations included cleaning settlements from occupiers, organizing the security of local residents, and eliminating enemy’s groups.

Later, “Ketsyk” and his comrade were transferred to the “Burevii” Brigade. A week later, he went on a rotation to the Serebrianskyi Forest in the Luhansk region. The guard held the position of assistant grenade thrower. The main tasks that were set, were to support firing positions, prepare to repel enemy’s attacks, and ensure defense. The militaty stayed in the Serebrianskyi Forest for more than seven months.

After returning from the front, “Ketsyk” decided that it was time to move forward and improve. He was ready for new challenges and decided to enter the National Guard Academy. At the Academy, the cadet has discovered his favorite disciplines, among which he especially notes tactical training. Daily lectures, practical classes and physical training require a lot of effort, but the cadet is convinced that this is a necessary basis for further professional growth.

“I believe that the main thing is the desire to learn and become better every day. The Academy is not just a place where you gain knowledge, it is a platform for the formation of real officers. Here you understand that responsibility is not only for yourself, but also for those around you”, – the cadet concludes. –  In general, I strive to develop my skills and abilities, and in the future to teach my subordinates. The lecturers at the Academy provide solid knowledge and teach strategic thinking, which is important for a future officer”.

This new stage in the life of “Ketsyk” has become important for his professional development. He is determined to achieve his goal – to become an officer and a good leader.

Follow our series “Heroes Among Us” to learn even more exciting stories from cadets of the National Academy of the National Guard of Ukraine!

Department of International Relations, Information and Communication of the NANGU