u/Thin_Impression8199

Hi! I’m a 24-year-old Ukrainian officer.

Well, the past two days have been quite eventful.

— Service: I was mobilized in 2024 and have been serving in the army ever since.

— Role: I’m currently a logistics officer in an independent engineering battalion.

— Background: I’m originally from the Russian-speaking part of Ukraine.

— Combat experience: It began with Ukraine’s operation in Russia’s Kursk region.

Ask me anything! I’ll do my best to answer whatever I can share.

Honestly, I was supposed to spend today writing a 40-page document about organizing food storage and water supply in winter conditions, but I really didn't feel like doing that, so I decided to start this Q&A series instead.

Thanks everyone for all the questions!

I’ve already made posts here about this topic, and the questions were all really interesting, except for one strange question about why I’m not bothered by the fact that the president of my country is Jewish. I’m about to spend around 12 hours on a train. My friends suggested that I use this time to share my experiences and simply get things off my chest, because they feel uncomfortable talking to me about these topics themselves. I’m 24 years old, and I’ve been serving for three years now. I was mobilized, and I currently hold the rank of Senior Lieutenant. My position is Deputy Head of Logistics for my battalion, responsible for rear support. My responsibilities include the supply and distribution of fuel and lubricants, clothing, combat equipment, food, tents, and various everyday necessities. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize how much of military operations is actually tied to bureaucracy. For example, the paperwork required to write off a kamikaze drone is an absolute nightmare. I serve in the engineering troops. I took part in the first and second incursions into Russia’s Kursk region. I have directly participated in combat operations, but I have never operated drones myself — that is handled by specialized personnel. I haven’t met any foreigners serving in the Ukrainian Army, so I don’t know what exactly they do or what their service is like. I’m originally from a Russian-speaking region of Ukraine.

I made a post here before, but unfortunately I didn't choose the right format or ask the right questions. Still, thank you to everyone who participated—many of the questions were genuinely interesting. Some friends encouraged me to do another AMA, partly because it's a chance for me to talk about my experiences. Unfortunately, I don't really have that opportunity in real life. A few clarifications first. I am not a drone operator and have never flown military drones. My strongest area of knowledge is military logistics: fuel and lubricants, food supplies, clothing and equipment, as well as general day-to-day support (beds, chairs, tents, and countless other items). I also have a good understanding of the bureaucratic side of the military—how orders are issued, processed, implemented, and documented in practice. I have a moderate level of knowledge about military vehicles, weapons, personnel management, and issues related to soldiers' physical condition. I know much less about communications, electronic warfare (EW), cybersecurity, and strike drones. I also don't have reliable information about how many foreign volunteers serve in the Ukrainian military, which units they are assigned to, or what roles they perform. I'd like to talk about the hidden side of this war—the logistics and the bureaucratic nightmare that supports military operations and, unfortunately, has a real impact on how the war is fought. Feel free to ask me anything. I'll answer as thoroughly as I can while avoiding any information that could compromise operational security or put anyone at risk.

I'm currently 24 years old. My native language is Russian, but about 90% of the people around me speak Ukrainian. Many people are surprised when they find out where I was born. I was mobilized in the spring of 2024. I serve in an engineer assault brigade. I received my first combat experience during the offensive and subsequent defense of positions in Russia's Kursk region. I'm now an officer. My current role is overseeing the logistics and rear support of my battalion.