‘Everybody’s Afraid to Die’: Struggle to Recruit Soldiers in Ukraine Turns to Riots

It is clear that Vasyl Krupich experienced horrors at war.

He volunteered at the very beginning and survived terrible battles.

Krupich is proud of his service – the tattoo on his neck proclaims “Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine” – but suffers from nightmares.

When the vehicle was hit by an FPV drone, he was seriously injured but managed to pull a friend to safety. He saw two other people burned to death.

Now, when we discuss the rise in violence against draft officers, the words drip with hurt.

It’s not just about his own suffering, that case is still going on in court. It’s the difference between tolerating them and doing your best not to do the same.

We are fulfilling our duty. We fought, we protected our people – and now they are attacking us.

I wonder what he thinks will motivate people to serve instead of forcing them, and he mentions raising wages.

But after that, it goes up.

“It can’t be done differently, it’s impossible. Our children have to be replaced. But no one is willing,” he says.

“Everyone is afraid of dying.”