The memory of generations of “Viking's” family
A soldier of the 1st International Defense Legion of Ukraine with the call sign “Viking” is a specialist in the use of FPV drones. He arrived from Sweden in 2022 and has been fighting for Ukraine's freedom for three years, repelling a large-scale Russian invasion. “Viking” is proficient in many types of weapons and has mastered a number of complex combat specialties. He has severe contact battles, wounds and shell shock, and has killed many occupiers. The legionnaire is reserved in his words, as his actions on the battlefield speak volumes. He intends to fight until victory or “as long as he is alive”, because he has very good reasons for doing so.
Before Russia's large-scale invasion, our interlocutor had no military experience. He worked as a cashier, a security guard in a store, and had experience in other peaceful professions. He lived in Sweden, which for many years has been ranked first in world rankings of quality of life, health care, education, and protection of civil and political rights. It would seem: what could make a person sacrifice personal comfort and safety, changing a calm, measured, safe life in one of the best countries in the world for extreme stress and daily mortal risk? However, for the Viking, his life choice was not only logical, but also quite natural, because the warrior knows and respects the history of his family, from which he inherited an indomitable character and a true chivalrous spirit:
– For me, it was natural because the two branches of my family equally hate the Russians because of the war in Spain during the Franco period and because of the war in Finland. For me, it was a natural decision because I understood the actions of the Russians in Ukraine through my own family”, - says the legionnaire.
The parents accepted the volunteer's decision to go to Ukraine with due respect, as the decision of an adult man, a warrior:
– “They said: “You have to go”, recalls Viking.
He began his military career as a machine gunner in the International Legion. Having distinguished himself in battles. Also he fought in the hottest spots in Kharkiv and Luhansk regions, near Kupiansk, Klishchiyivka, Petropavlivka, and met with representatives of various enemy units, from Wagner to special operations forces. Nowadays, helping Ukraine win the war is the main goal for the legionnaire. Members of the International Legion are brothers in arms from all over the world.
Of course, combat operations mean extreme stress and incredibly hard work. Anyone who has participated in them can recall many good things, as well as moments when they could have done things differently. Viking does not talk about bad things, because the Legion and the Armed Forces of Ukraine are now his family. In his comments, the warrior is reserved and balanced:
– The Legion has given me a lot. As well as the Armed Forces in general”, says the soldier.
Among the many combat engagements, he recalls, in particular, the mission during which he was wounded:
– “Our task was to clear a difficult landing. The infantry could not do it. We were actively attacked by FPV drones, and the enemy was firing intensively. With three men, we cleared this landing and moved to the enemy trench we were supposed to storm. We were about 50-100 meters away from the target. At that moment, there was a tank attack, and I was wounded in the left arm. My first reaction was to find shelter. I managed to do so, with the help of my friends, of course”, the legionnaire recalls.
Viking is rather reserved in his characterization of the enemy:
– “The Russian military are not necessarily bad, untrained soldiers. They have different units, both good and not so good. We have faced completely different ones: from Wagner to paratroopers and special operations forces. The assault operations in the Luhansk region were quite a difficult experience. We captured a lot of Wagner men, but it was hard because the enemy used a combined defense, with infantry, artillery, and tanks firing. Accordingly, this made the assault operations heavy. But I want to say that we won. We gained control of the hill, destroyed the tanks and took their positions”, says the legionnaire.
During the interview, Viking also thanked the volunteer community:
– “I really want to thank all the volunteers, in particular from Finland, from Sweden, as well as all the non-governmental organizations that have supported us all this time in our struggle. Thank you all!
When asked what is the secret of his steadfastness and determination, the warrior answers in his own way, clearly, concisely and categorically:
– Russia is still here. And as long as it is still here, until we win the war or I die, I will be here to fight!
Volodymyr Patola
Photo by the author
