May 10, 2024
Recently, I had the privilege to have a conversation with my friend, Alexis, whom I met at Columbia University during my undergraduate studies. Alexis joined the #InternationalLeague of Territorial Defense of #Ukraine at the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by #russia in 2022.
Alexis is the only female infantry member on the zero line within her battalion. She serves as a fighter and a combat medic in the most dangerous areas, like Bakhmut and Avdiyivka. Please read and share her story. It is so important that we recognize the sacrifice of the foreigners and show them our support and gratitude.
Glory to Ukraine and its Heroes!
Slava Ukraini!
russiaisaterroriststate #stoprussia #standwithUkraine #supportUkraine #Ukraineheroes #internationalsecurity
Mariya’s Substack
From Ivy League to the Frontlines: The Remarkable Journey of an American Woman Volunteer in Ukraine
“I don’t know this country – I hate this country – I love this country. This is my home.”
May 10, 2024
When I asked Alexis how her perception of Ukraine had changed in the last two years, she said she had known nothing about Ukraine when she arrived. Then, when she was laying in mud, being shelled and having no idea if she would make it alive, she doubted her choice – she hated everything about Ukraine, she hated the mud she was laying in, she hated drones flying over her heads and searching for her to kill, she hated the sounds of explosions. She wanted to quit right there and never come back. But she didn’t. She found a home in Ukraine.
Turned out that I was the only Ukrainian that Alexis knew before joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine. No, she didn’t join the fight for Ukraine because of me. She had her own reasons, and knowing her story holds significance for all of us – those who understand why Ukraine must win this war and those who still struggle to accept the importance of supporting Ukraine until the victory is achieved on the battlefield and political front.
First, Alexis is a member of the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine. She volunteered at the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022. The Legion proved to have a strong impact on the battlefield and boosted the morale of the Ukrainian defenders, showing they are not alone in fighting this war. Many of the volunteers are experienced combat fighters, while others bring a variety of relevant expertise, from first aid assistance to military knowledge. Although the exact number of members remains unconfirmed, it is known that citizens from dozens of countries have responded to the call for help.
Second, Alexis is the sole female infantry member on the zero line within her battalion. She is a vital member of the storm troops with experience in combat and as a medic. This is remarkable enough, and no explanation is required.
Finally, Alexis was very honest during our conversation. Understanding why an American woman with a promising career ahead would choose to undertake one of the most physically and mentally demanding jobs on the planet is important. We must know this to fully recognize and honor volunteer fighters who have traveled from around the world to support Ukraine and its people.
I met Alexis six years ago while we were both pursuing our degrees at Columbia University. Although we recently had a conversation via one of the social media apps and couldn’t recall the exact meeting, we certainly share many fond memories of celebrating various events during our time at school.
Alexis is a fun, outgoing, and remarkably determined individual. She embodies strength and understands the true essence of independence. For her, the ability to make choices, express opinions, and advocate for one’s beliefs, as well as the freedom to act according to democratic principles, became the driving force behind her decision to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine in March 2022.
Under putin’s regime, russia embarked on an unprecedented campaign to undermine the freedoms of Ukraine, a country that is still developing but already embraces strong democratic values, through acts of destruction and genocide. After hearing Volodymyr Zelensky’s plea to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia, Alexis recognized that her professional and life experiences and strong desire to uphold our shared values made her a perfect fit for this role. I believe her courage and ultimate sacrifice deserve celebration, and as residents of free countries, we should be grateful for individuals like her.
I learned about Alexis joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine in March 2022 when she notified us about her injury during a mission in the Kyiv region. Her convoy struck a mine, resulting in the explosion of the entire vehicle and injuries to the crew. This incident occurred just one week after she began active duty.
Despite facing such adversity, Alexis made the courageous decision to remain in service. Since her full recovery, she has served as a combat medic on active duty, bravely fighting and saving lives on the frontlines. Alexis is stationed in and is a vital member of the team conducting special operations in some of the most dangerous areas, including Avdiyivka and Bakhmut. These cities, once vibrant communities, now lie in ruins and are symbols of the devastating toll of russia’s war.
“In the fall, while conducting one of our operations in Avdiyivka, we sought refuge in the basement of a house. As I sat there, I glanced around and realized that it was once the home of an elderly couple – someone’s grandparents. I couldn’t help but wonder about their fate. I don’t know if they are safe or if they met their end here. The air was heavy with the scent of decomposing bodies and the stench of burned debris from shell explosions…I couldn’t shake the thought that this was once a cherished home. That elderly couple did not deserve this fate. They should not have lost their home, nor should they have faced such a fate. It’s for them that I fight.”
Alexis’ journey to becoming a soldier in one of the most dangerous places in the world was far from easy. She encountered numerous obstacles along the way, determined to prove to everyone around her that she was strong and capable of carrying out dangerous missions. Today, dozens of fighters are grateful to her for saving their lives in moments when hope seemed scarce. Despite facing continuous shelling, enduring brutal cold and drowning mud, and navigating through the darkness, Alexis and her team remain committed to their mission to defend Ukraine and protect one another. This fight is not about proving anything to anybody; it’s about saving each other and stopping russian forces.
“To be honest, at the beginning, I did feel the rush of the adrenaline. Carrying out the mission and being successful was a big reward. However, as time passed, adrenaline passed as well. I saw and experienced too much. I lost many friends, I almost lost my life twice… Today, it is all about my combat friends. Once I am fully recovered, I am going back.”
During her latest mission in the Donetsk region, Alexis sustained severe injuries. As they were leaving their positions, carefully navigating through a mined area while adversary FPV drones hovered overhead, the mine nearby triggered an explosion, resulting in serious injuries to both legs. When she showed me during our call a video recording of the incident, I couldn’t believe what I saw – despite bleeding and having see-through holes in her legs, she managed to walk 500 meters by herself to the nearest first-aid post. There, she received initial treatment before being evacuated hours later. The video captured the blast, yells, radio messages, heavy breathing, careful and calculated steps, calming voices of the medic, shock, and fear – all of which will remain in my memory forever.
Alexis has survived, and her legs are in the process of healing. During our video call, she showed me her disfigured legs; her resilient spirit and even a few jokes reminded me again how incredible this person is. It also triggered the image of her wounds that I first saw two months ago – a large hole in her calf and dozens of lacerations. Fortunately, no vital arteries and bones were affected.
Her sacrifice for Ukraine cannot be overstated.
She left her studies at Columbia University, she left her family and friends, her comfortable life in New York City. But at the same time, she stayed true to herself. When she called me, I saw the same Alexis as I knew in New York – a gorgeous and bright woman. Her friendly smile and joyful spirit, her positive attitude, and her desire to defend my home country are irreplaceable.
“I strongly believe in democracy and freedom. I believe in freedom of speech; I believe that people should have the right to protest and urge their governments to change the policies if they violate our basic rights. I know Putin’s regime wants to take those freedoms from the people of Ukraine. This is wrong. But this is not a fight against Putin, this is a fight for our Democracy.”
I wish Alexis a speedy recovery, and I eagerly anticipate the day we can meet in person. On that day, she will share the stories behind the numerous awards she received while serving on combat duty. It will be a day when this war will be a memory for her, her team, my friend Max, and every other defender. For us, those memories will serve as another lesson on the dangers of letting autocrats seize power, pursue their sinister agendas, and do whatever it takes to maintain their grip on power for the sake of power.
During our goodbyes, Alexis expressed her gratitude to me and others for our advocacy efforts. This took me by surprise. She said, “It’s so important to have people standing by us on the other side. We couldn’t do this without you.” Those on the front lines feel our support the most, even when we think it has little impact. Please support us and help us bring our friends and family back home.
Stand with Ukraine!
Slava Ukraini! Heroyam Slava!
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Awesome courage.
This woman fights in the trenches against a murderous horde of inhuman creatures, while many “men” have nothing better to do than to sit on their couches and vomit fascist/mafia propaganda bullshit. How different humans can be.