Ukraine’s counteroffensive promises to be deadly. These recruits signed up anyway.

As Ukraine prepares for a counteroffensive against Russian forces, military recruits like 23-year-old Vadym, from Kyiv, are stepping forward, even if it means risking their lives. Vadym, who is presently undergoing military training in England, understands the risks but remains driven in his desire to fight. “They want to fight, and being in hell on the front lines is part of it,” he says. “I realized all the dangers. It just doesn’t matter.” Second Lt. Jordan Turton, a British infantry officer assisting with the recruits, explains that unlike professional soldiers, the Ukrainians have a deeply ingrained desire to protect their homeland and loved ones. The volunteers, who are transitioning from professions such as translating, sales, and hairdressing, are aggressively eager to learn, according to Lieutenant Turton, who says: “If I’m honest, in terms of looking back at this stage in my training, they’re far better than I was.”

Author: OpenAI